Skunk Cabbage
Lysichiton americanus
Skunk cabbage as seen along Road #23 just east of Swampy Meadows on the western slopes of Mt. Adams.................June 2, 2007. The inflorescence is a sulfur-smelling narrow spike surrounded by
a yellowish, leaf-like but cupped spathe. A spathe is a large, leaf-like bract
that subtends and encloses an inflorescence. The large, fleshy leaves are ovate
in shape and may be as much as a meter long.
Sites Where this Species May be Seen on Mt. Adams:
1) Crofton Ridge Trail #73 at Crofton Creek (southern
Mt. Adams)
2) In moist forest at the edge of Swampy Meadows
(western Mt. Adams)
3) In a moist seep at the trailhead of the Riley
Trail #64 (on Rd #23, western Mt. Adams)
Skunk cabbage as seen along Crofton Creek at the Crofton Ridge Trail #73 crossing on the southern slopes of Mt. Adams.................May 28, 2005.
Skunk cabbage at Crofton Creek.................May
28, 2005.
A cluster of basal leaves of skunk cabbage
as seen at Crofton Creek..............June 19, 2005.
Paul Slichter