Symplocarpus foetidus; skunk-cabbage [Araceae]  Native perennial herb of wet, shady areas and swamps, producing a skunk-like odor when crushed.   Tiny, green flowers in a knobby, 3-6" long, green-to-purple inflorescence at ground level, surrounded by a purple-brown and green mottled hood.  The flowers are produced very early in the spring, sometimes literally melting their way through snow or frozen ground before the large, heart-shaped, 3’ tall, leaves emerge.  [029]

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