Symplocarpus foetidus

Symplocarpus foetidus, or skunk cabbage, is a rhizomatous perennial native to wet, marshy areas of North America and North-East Asia. It is famous for its hood-shaped, purplish-green spathe, which appears as early as late winter and can generate enough heat through thermogenesis to melt the surrounding snow. Large cabbage-like leaves follow. The plant releases a strong odour when bruised, hence its name. It is grown in wet to boggy soil, in part shade.