Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
One of the earliest flowers to bloom in the Pacific Northwest is also one that flaunts the most dramatic flash of contrasting colors, the Western Skunk Cabbage. Almost any walk in the wetlands will reveal clumps of vibrant green leaves among which a bright yellow spathe emerges. From this arises a pungent spadix which gives the plant its common name. The distinctive odor which many believe to be “skunky” apparently attracts flies and beetles which act as pollinators before other insects, which are still dormant, become active. Some suggest the leaves, when crushed, will emit the same characteristic odor.
Perhaps you’re familiar with anthurium, those waxy red flowers often used in tropical arrangements. Both it and the Western Skunk Cabbage belong to the arum family. Both have that long spadix which contains tiny male and female flowers, only the anthurium doesn’t carry with it the objectionable odor which many find so repulsive. Both are beautiful, one is valued and found in flower shops, while the other distained.
It would be foolish to suggest that we should all value the same things. But it’s also important to remember that in order to appreciate something’s worth we must be open to seeing its true value. Paul reminds us of this when he writes: “The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can’t receive the gifts of God’s Spirit. There’s no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God’s Spirit and our spirits in open communion. (1 Corinthians 2:14 MSG) May we not turn up our noses at the gifts God has to give us.