Making a Big Stink: Eastern Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) in the Ottawa Area.

This document provides information about the Eastern Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) in the Ottawa area. The plant is known for its unique characteristics, including its early emergence in April and its ability to generate heat. It has a distinct smell that attracts pollinators and its leaves have a foul odor even after flowering. The plant is typically found in swamp forest habitats, particularly near White Cedar trees. The document also discusses specific populations of Eastern Skunk Cabbage in the Ottawa area, including those in Osgoode village, Osgoode East, and Metcalfe. It highlights the importance of preserving the plant's habitat to prevent it from becoming rarer in the future. The document concludes with recommendations for field naturalists interested in observing the Eastern Skunk Cabbage. [Extracted from the article]