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This is a contributing entry for Cranberry Glades Botanical Area Science and Nature Trail and only appears as part of that tour.Learn More.
Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) comes by the name honestly because when crushed, the leaves have a strong skunk odor. Skunk cabbage can thrive in the saturated soil of the bog forest or shrub zone. When the flowers appear in spring they emit a skunk odor which is said to attract pollinating flies and stoneflies. A western species of skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) is common in the temperate rain forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Skunk Cabbage

Skunk Cabbage

For Peat's Sake sign

For Peat's Sake sign