The bright yellow, hood shaped spathe of a Lysichiton americanus rises above its still furled bright green leaves. Swamp lanterns are also commonly called skunk cabbage because the flower stinks in order to attract the flies and beetles it needs to pollinate it. These plants are in a boggy area covered with dead leaves. Soon the stream banks and marshy spots will be full of bright yellow "hoodies" succeeded by the plant's huge leaves.

The first swamp lantern, aka skunk cabbage, I've seen this season.
#Photography #SeattleWashington #SeattleParks #SeattleSpring #CowenPark #BloomScrolling #NativePlantsOfThePNW #NativePlants #SwampLantern #SkunkCabbage

Western Skunk Cabbage, Lysichiton americanus. My favorite common name for it is the Swamp Lantern. Very fitting, this beautiful specimen was growing next to a swampy area caused by a seep. Usually barely any standing water is found here but it's always super mushy.

The flowers smell a bit dank, to attract the pollinators who apparently love pungent aromas. There's a reason they're called skunk cabbage....

Newly emerging Western Swornfern, Polystichum munitum.

Tellima grandiflora, fringecup that is yet to bloom. The beautiful dark veining of the leaves really caught my eye.

More evidence of Spring! 🌱
#Bloomscrolling -ish
#Nature #Ferns
#SwampLantern