1. Important Bee Foraging Plants

2. Skunk Cabbage
Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is native to the Northeastern states, New England and parts of Canada
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3. Growing Environment Skunk Cabbage grows in swampy, wet areas
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4. 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
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5. 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
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6. 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
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7. 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
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8. Recognizing Pollen
Skunk Cabbage Pollen is very light yellow in color (bee on left)
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