Important Bee Foraging Plants

Skunk Cabbage Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is native to the Northeastern states, New England and parts of Canada Image: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/symplocarpus_foetidus.shtml

Growing Environment Skunk Cabbage grows in swampy, wet areas Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symplocarpus_foetidus#/media/File:Skunk_cabbage_and_marsh_marigolds.jpg

Blooming Time Skunk Cabbage is one of the first plants to bloom in late winter Commonly starts blooming early March in CT Blooms happen before leaves come out Images: http://infinitespider.com/eastern-skunk-cabbage-symplocarpus-foetidus/

Plant Facts Plant generates its own heat allowing it to bloom even in snow Flower is around 4-6” tall Flower is a mottled purple color Image1: http://www.beverlybees.com/skunk-cabbage-late-winter-forage-bees/ Image2: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/skunk-cabbage

Plant Facts The leaves can grow up to 2’ long and 1’ wide Called “Skunk Cabbage” due to foul odor it gives off to attract insects Image: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/skunk-cabbage

Use to Bees The first real pollen source for bees in CT Not really a good nectar source Form of flower allows bees to collect pollen while protecting it from cold Image1: https://standingoutinmyfield.wordpress.com/2015/06/18/skunky-smells-and-pollination/ Image2: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/skunk-cabbage

Recognizing Pollen Skunk Cabbage Pollen is very light yellow in color (bee on left) Image: http://meadowsweetbees.com/blog/