The earliest wildflower

[joelbolden]

in North America is the Skunk Cabbage. It's thermogenic(able to generate heat) properties allow it to melt snow and ice. The purple outer layer is known as the Spathe. Within the spathe is an egg shaped growth known as the Spadix. The actual flowers are tiny, white nubby looking things attached to the spadix. I was fortunate to catch a Honeybee pollinating a plant today at out local wetlands; something I'd never observed before.

If you look closely you can see a couple of the tiny flowers along the edge of the spathe. It opens up a bit later to expose everything to allow better pollination. Fascinating, sort of unworldly looking plant.

 

[Space Face]

Let's hope spring has sprung.