Hellibores and skunk cabbage are usually harbingers of spring. An unusually cold winter delayed spring bloom in Oregon. While the hellibores display was disappointing, skunk cabbage is putting on a real, if late, show. They are beautiful, but one whiff of a plant whose leaves have been bruised will tell you how it got its name. The Canadians, who have a lovely and direct way with words, call this beauty chou puant (stinking cabbage). Botanically, it's a lily and a member of the arum family. We are hikers who enjoy the backroads and byways of our beautiful state. Fortunately, the gorgeous skunk cabbage loves the bogs and meadows we traipse and copious amounts of fresh air overcome its scent. 
I'll be sending this post to Outdoor Wednesday, a blogging event sponsored by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer.
22 comments :
Oh my goodness! We saw this all along the way to the Oregon Coast and wondered what is was!
...and wasn't it gorgeous? It has become one of my favorite weed/flowers. When I did my master gardener's training, we were taught that a weed was only a flower growing where it wasn't wanted.
As a hiker you probably see all kinds of weeds growing in odd places. Glad you brought along the camera so that you could post what a skunk cabbage looks like.
Joyce M
The skunk cabbage has such lovely form and is so appealing to see.
I like "weeds" and grow them in my flower garden, Queen Ann's Lace, thistle, golden rod, to name a few.
I even love dandelions.
Thank you for sharing a snippet of your beautiful countryside.
I've never seen these. Thanks for sharing.
I don't know about skunk cabbage at all. I'm glad you shared it. It's so pretty.
Well that skunk cabbage really knows how to brighten up the bogs! Nice to see the pretty photo without the smell :0)Happy O.W. to you...
we don't have this plant in the midwest...it is beautiful. nearly magical!
have a great day.
chasity
Skunk cabbage is indeed beautiful -- it brightens up the dark and damp places so well!
When we moved into our former house 22 years ago, my Dad brought us a big trash bag full of plants and told us it was "skunk cabbage" he'd dug up to give us ...
well, it was gorgeous HOSTA. Hahaha... all his life, he has called Hosta, "skunk cabbage."
Cass
Never heard of skunk cabbage. Fascinating! Thanks for sharing the pics.
Wow - it's really lovely, but I can imagine the smell!
We Canadians see lots of this, at least here on the West coast. We can find lots of boggy, forested areas and the native plants are amazing.
Thanks for stopping in to see me. Always welcome.
What a beautiful and unusual plant, I have heard of skunk cabbage but until today have never seen one . thank you for sharing this plant with the information.
Thank you for coming by and visiting with me, and for leaving such a sweet comment.
Sue
One hundred thousand thanks to all of you for stopping by. You're always welcome here.
I am SO glad you visited my blog! You are new to me, and I have to tell you, I was blown away by your food!
It is so interesting and different from our Down Home Southern style cooking, and I can't wait for a nice lazy morning when I can go all the way back through your recipes and print out some!
Scribbler
These are so pretty. Too bad they don't smell that way too.
Charlotte
If this plant likes bogs,well, that explains why I'm not familiar with it. I live in a really dry area. Interesting plant.
Kathy b
Oh that cucumber thing looks yummy. Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Hope to see you around again!
Olive (I'll use your alter ego) the pleasure is all mine. Don't be a stranger.
We were out by the coast when my in-laws were here and saw a ton of these! Have never seen them before. I didn't get close enough to smell, but MIL said they stink :-) They are beautiful, though!
It may be stinky but it is pretty! I've never seen it before.
Sorry I am late getting around to visit... I hope you had a Happy Outdoor Wednesday....and that you will participate again soon! Thanks for sharing your photos.~ Susan
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