Skunk Cabbage

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This plant has a lot of other names, but we figured "skunk cabbage" was evocative enough! Bruised leaves of this plant apparently present an odor reminiscent of skunk, and its Lati n classification means "bad smelling". Some people find it repulsive, but the scent is generally described as smelly like cabbage with a "slight suggestion of mustard", and the scent apparently intensifies over time as the plant matures. Like other plants in our Ohio Wildflowers collection, Skunk Cabbage is native to eastern North America. It is protected in Tennessee as an endangered species. Skunk cabbage, despite its weird smell and off-putting name, is a really cool plant - it produces its own heat, meaning it's one of the first plants to bloom in the spring, since it can melt the snow. Because of its smell, flies are one of its pollinators, and there are often spiderwebs around skunk cabbage since its pollinators would also be food for the spiders. It is by-and-large not a great plant to handle, as the calcium oxalate crystals are moderately harmful to humans. Handling the raw leaves can burn skin, and ingesting the raw plant can cause vomiting, nausea, headaches, dizziness, as well as swelling of the tongue, lips, and throat. Despite its seemingly dislike of humans, it has been used as a medicinal herb (the toxicity can be eliminated with enough care)(no, not like that man you're trying to defend). Our Skunk Cabbage yarn has a pale yellow base with a burgundy contrast. Please note that yarn colors may vary per base as each type of fiber dyes differently. You can learn more on our Yarn Base FAQ page.BASES: Hattie Floof: 50g, 437 yards, 70% Superkid mohair/30% silk (lace weight)Chester Sock: 100g, 437 yards, blend of 75% superwash merino/25% nylonSabrina Sock: 100g, 432 yards, blend of 80% US sourced non-super wash merino/20% silkTortie Sport: 100g, 287 yards, 80% alpaca/20% silkMinnie DK: 100g, 246 yards, 100% superwash merino wool Genny Worsted: 100g, 191 yards, 80% superwash merino/20% alpacaChubby Trevor: 115g, 136 yards, 100% superwash merinoChunky Trevor: 150g, 82 yards, 100% superwash merino, single plySummer Fingering: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 438 yardsSummer DK: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 246 yardsSummer Worsted: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 181 yardsGladys Fiber: 80% Shaniko Wool/20% Tussah Silk, approximately 4oz braid of fiber for spinning, felting, etc Show more