For many years, we went to Northfield or Turner's Falls MA to see skunk cabbage in the spring. We even tried to transplant some to our farm in a swampy area with no success; we told people that it seemed to stop at the state line. A few years ago some friends who life off Pond Rd. told us they had some. We assumed they were confusing it with false hellebore which is commonly done; but when we visited they were correct - skunk cabbage can be found in Vernon.
The heat produced by its rapid growth allows it to come up through snow and frozen ground. It is in the Arum family (think "peace lily"). The blooms appear before the leaves in a purple-brown and green mottled hood. Most animals avoid eating it as it causes a burning sensation, The leaves have a fetid odor when crushed and grow to be 1-3 ft. tall.
- Paul and Mary Miller
No comments:
Post a Comment