Skunk Cabbage is an interesting and immediately recognizable native plant.  They start growing early in the spring and are found in wet, marshy, typically woodland habitats.  When broken open, the large leaves exude a thick fluid with a strong unpleasant odor.  (Although the odor is not particularly skunk-like.)  The flowers are surrounded by an ugly twisted stalk that is green with purple and brown striations.  Like all members of the arum family the flowers are on a knobby ball (spadix) inside the hood.  Although the plant pictured shows both leaves and flower, the leaves don't unfold until the flower is already gone.  Most flowers emerge before the plant itself.  Skunk Cabbage is common to abundant in proper habitat and is one of the first true signs of spring.