Around here, the absolute first sign of spring, is when the Skunk Weed rears it’s head out of the murky depths of the boggy areas. If you look at the first photo, you can see the first shoot of the plant. It’s about two inches up.
Skunk Weed is a thermogenic plant meaning that as it grows, it produces heat that can enable it to actually grow through snow. It will continue to grow as spring becomes more apparent. I’ve seen it stop for brief periods in the past when old man winter rears his head after a spring teaser of weather. It’s a pretty resilient plant! It will bloom a yellow pod like flower, and as the plant matures, it smells like-well you guess it-a skunk! 🦨
Here are some archived photos to give you an idea of how the plant grows.
It’s very pretty and VERY stinky! Whereas Skunk Weed (aka Skunk Cabbage) is considered edible, it contains calcium oxalate crystals, which if not properly cooked, can be an irritant. A SEVERE irritant. Here’s what ChatGBT says about calcium oxalate crystals:
Plants containing calcium oxalate crystals can cause irritation and discomfort due to their sharp, needle-like structures. When ingested or handled improperly, these crystals can lead to several effects, including:
Oral and Throat Irritation
• Symptoms: Immediate burning, stinging, or itching in the mouth, tongue, and throat.
• Cause: The crystals embed themselves into soft tissues, causing pain and swelling.
• Examples: Plants like dumb cane (Dieffenbachia), skunk cabbage, and taro.Digestive Discomfort
• Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur if a significant amount is consumed.
• Cause: Irritation of the digestive tract lining from the crystals.Swelling and Breathing Difficulty
• Symptoms: In severe cases, swelling of the tongue and throat can obstruct breathing.
• Risk: This is particularly dangerous and may require immediate medical attention.Skin Irritation
• Symptoms: If handled, calcium oxalate crystals can cause itching, redness, or a rash on the skin.
• Cause: Direct contact with the sharp crystals.Long-Term Risks
• Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure or ingestion of high quantities of oxalates can contribute to kidney stone formation, as oxalates bind with calcium in the kidneys.
Precautions
• Avoid Raw Consumption: Plants with calcium oxalate crystals often require cooking, drying, or other preparation methods to neutralize their harmful effects.
• Seek Immediate Help: If severe symptoms like swelling or breathing difficulty occur, consult a doctor or poison control center.
Always exercise caution when handling or consuming unknown plants!
🌱 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
Besides honestly, who could get close enough to eat the stuff anyway?!
My day began with ladies Bible study. We were looking at the act of worship and the varying ways worship unfolds. It was an interesting class!
Afterwards, when I got home, I went on a partial hike with @silvertop. Jan came with me I say partial, as I have had some challenges over the past week that left me wanting to be cautious. The weather was clear and sunny and I didn’t want to miss out completely, and neither did @actifit-lamb! She was being silky with Pepe Frog up at the garden!
Here, she was just hangin’ around!
We went to the pond and then Jan and I turned to go home while @silvertop continued on.
There were of course, more ‘shrooms to see!
Tomorrow sees me heading to work for a fully booked and packed day! Job security-right?!
That’s gonna be it for now. Take care and enjoy the rest of your day wherever you are! 🙏🌎🙏
👣🐑☕️🌱🪴😎👍😁🌙🥱😴
NLT Psalm 95:1-8
Come, let us sing to the LORD!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come to him with thanksgiving.
Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
For the LORD is a great God,
a great King above all gods.
He holds in his hands the depths of the earth
and the mightiest mountains.
The sea belongs to him, for he made it.
His hands formed the dry land, too.
Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the LORD our maker,
for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
the flock under his care.
If only you would listen to his voice today!
The LORD says, “Don’t harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah,
as they did at Massah in the wilderness.
Picture taken by me and altered by cliptocomic app
@elizabethbit is a member of ladiesofsgs4eva
a sweet group of lady stackers of SGH
