Lysichiton americanus
skunk cabbage
Occurs from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Northern California as far south as Santa Cruz County. Isolated populations are also found in northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming (Randall et al 1988).
The plant grows from rhizomes that measure 1' or longer, and 1" to 2" in diameter. The short-stalked leaves are the largest of any native plant in the region, 1' to 5' long and 4"–12" wide when mature. Its flowers are produced in a spadix contained within a 2"–14" large, bright yellow or yellowish green spathe atop a 1" to 5' stalk. The flowers are numerous and densely packed. It is among the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring (Randall et al 1988).
Map Courtesy of USGS