Eastern Skunk Cabbage is one of the first plants to emerge in spring, melting its way through frozen ground as early as February through thermogenesis. Its mottled purple-green spathe generates heat up to 70°F above ambient temperature, attracting early flies and bees as pollinators. The fetid smell attracts carrion insects and provides an important early pollen source.
Habitat
Wet forested swamps and seeps of eastern North America
Diet
Thermogenic spathe attracts early flies and carrion insects as pollinators
How common
Common
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