Eastern Skunk Cabbage

Eastern skunk cabbage has leaves which are large, 40–55 cm (15.75-21.5 in) long and 30–40 cm (12-15.75 in) broad. It flowers early in the spring when only the flowers are visible above the mud. The stems remain buried below the surface of the soil with the leaves emerging later. The flowers are produced on a 5–10 cm (2–5 in) long spadix contained within a spathe, 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and mottled purple in colour. The rhizome is often 30 cm (1 ft) thick.