western skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) observed in Bella Bella 1, BC, CA
iNaturalist: dawsonk7
Citizen Science
Western skunk cabbage is one of the first plants to bloom each spring in Pacific Northwest wetlands, and tracking where it grows helps protect the boggy habitats that filter water flowing into streams and rivers near communities like yours.
Someone spotted and photographed western skunk cabbage near Bella Bella, BC, and the sighting was verified as accurate by the iNaturalist community. This bright yellow, odorous plant loves wet, swampy ground and is one of the earliest signs of spring in coastal BC forests. Records like this help scientists understand where the plant is thriving and whether its range is shifting over time.
Key Findings
Observation achieved 'research-grade' status, meaning it was confirmed by multiple iNaturalist community identifiers
Location is Bella Bella 1, a coastal community in British Columbia, Canada, within the plant's native Pacific Northwest range
Western skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) is a native wetland indicator species, suggesting intact or healthy riparian habitat at this site
chevron_right Technical Summary
A research-grade observation of western skunk cabbage was recorded in Bella Bella 1, British Columbia, Canada, contributing to citizen-science tracking of this native wetland plant's distribution along the Pacific Northwest coast.
Abstract Preview
Research-grade observation of western skunk cabbage in Bella Bella 1, BC, CA.
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Species Mentioned
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Lysichiton americanus, also called western skunk cabbage (US), yellow skunk cabbage (UK), American skunk-cabbage or swamp lantern, is a plant found in swamps and wet woods, along streams and in other wet areas of the Pacific Northwest, where it is one of the few native species in the arum family.