skunk cabbage blooming near Decorah IA 854A6678
The earliest I've ever seen skunk cabbage blooming in Winneshiek County before today was February 28. The historical average first blooming date is March 21, based on 30 years of phenological notes that I started keeping back in the 1970s. These flowers are a full month ahead of schedule. A major problem they will face is a total lack of potential pollinators that are likely still stuck in pupal stages for good reason. No pollinators - no reproduction - no future.
skunk cabbage blooming near Decorah IA 854A6678
The earliest I've ever seen skunk cabbage blooming in Winneshiek County before today was February 28. The historical average first blooming date is March 21, based on 30 years of phenological notes that I started keeping back in the 1970s. These flowers are a full month ahead of schedule. A major problem they will face is a total lack of potential pollinators that are likely still stuck in pupal stages for good reason. No pollinators - no reproduction - no future.