Thank you to saleonard for sponsoring the cache
Skunk Cabbage - An Island Spirit Legacy.
The Cowichan Valley Trail will take you from Duncan through Lake Cowichan and down past the Kinsol Trestle following former CN and E&N railway lines. With many access points and 8 trestles, it's a beautiful trail to walk, jog or bike. From the Island Spirit Team, we hope you enjoy your time in the Cowichan Valley.
All the Island Spirit Legacy Caches are within a 2 steps of the trail, unless otherwise noted. There is no need to bushwack or trample the vegetation.
Skunk Cabbage
Phee Yhew! Skunk Cabbage smells as bad as its name leads you to believe! The native species of the arum family is easily found by sight or by scent in the Cowichan Valley. This plant grows and thrives in wet woods and swamp areas throughout the Pacific Northwest. Its large leaves grow to 50-135cm long and 30-80cm wide and its beautiful yellow or greenish yellow flower can grow to 30-40cm tall. The plant is typically found in bunches which, despite the smell is worth taking a peak or a photo. Flowers bloom in early spring and the stem produces enough heat to melt snow around the plant. The plant is barely edible, rather it has traditionally been used by First Nations Bands for food preparation and storage.