Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanum) has started springing up all around Juneau. This particular patch, near the Auke Village Recreational Area, had recently been visited by a black bear. Not only did I find signs of bear scat, but I also found a couple areas where the soil had been disturb from a bear digging up the Skunk Cabbages roots. I could see its path by following the cabbage that only had their yellow tops nibbled off.. Skunk cabbage is a favorite part of the black bears spring diet.
6 comments:
A beautiful flower even if it is a little stinky! Could have been a photo for a "mellow yellow Monday" theme!
I read about "skunk cabbage" in a children's book, I didn't know it was a real plant. This is nice with the curves and dew.
I posted skunk cabbage awhile back on Astoria, Oregon, Daily Photo. I didn't realize they are a favorite of bears. Any bears that would eat them are long gone, although I know people who have seen them. Actually, there are a rare few around. One was spotted a couple of years ago.
Thank you for sharing about the bear and the signs you found of its snacking. That is so interesting. I didn't realize how wide a range of growth this plant has. I was familiar with it from hiking on Mount San Jacinto (a desert mountain in Southern California) where there is a huge patch called Skunk Cabbage Meadow, and that stinks to high heaven at certain times of year. Do you know if this is a plant that uses flies for pollination?
BEautiful and lovely shot !! Enjoyed the post !!
Oh it is growing everywhere here too. My Mother calls them 'Swamp Lanterns'. Isn't that a pretty name. So different from Eastern Skunk Cabbage too. MB
Post a Comment