Habitat and Cultivation
Skunk cabbage gets its name from the pungent skunk-like odor released when any part of the plant is broken or damaged and from its large leaves which grow in a rosette somewhat like a cabbage. Eastern skunk cabbage grows in wet mucky soil, along streams or springs, in woods, thickets, and bogs. It can even grow on hillsides but only if there is a continuous seepage of water. Skunk cabbage appears to be tolerant of soil ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. This truly striking, bizarre, and fascinating plant would make an exciting addition to any garden that has the right conditions. The plant can be purchased from a small handful of specialty nurseries or grown from freshly collected seeds (with permission from the landowner where the parent plants are growing) that are not allowed to dry out. Skunk cabbage needs a wet shady spot and tolerates shallow standing water but only if it is not permanent and soaks in the soil or evaporates over time.
Wildlife Use
The leaves of eastern skunk cabbage are food for snails and slugs as well as ruby tiger moth (Phragmatobia fulginosa) and cattail borer moth (Bellura obliqua) caterpillars. Although the leaves contain crystals of calcium oxalate, making them toxic to most animals, hungry snapping turtles and bears have been observed eating the leaves in spring. Gnats, carrion flies (Calliphoridae), and flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) pollinate the flowers which they are attracted to due to their flesh-like smell and appearance as well as the warm temperatures generated by and sustained within the spathe. Not surprisingly, spiders like to live in skunk cabbage flowers where they await unsuspecting pollinators.
The cache is hidden high enough to keep the creek from washing it away during high water. The container is a round plastic tube that is used to make 2 liter bottles. It only has a log so BYOP. Watch for Muggles as you are slipping around the creek and ducking under the greenery. Please replace the cache so others may play the game.
Note: In all Virginia state parks you have to have permission to hide a geocache. Stop by the Headquarters building in the park and ask to talk to the official in charge of reviewing the Geocache Placement Application you will have to obtain from them. Let them be aware of your desire to hide and maintain a geocache in the park. Most parks may ask you to “not” make the cache for Premium members to allow the general public the opportunity hunt while visiting the park. All my caches have been placed by permission at Hungry Mother State Park.