G. Peter Jemison (born 1945, Seneca Nation, Heron Clan)

Mottled, rich maroon Skunk Cabbage fascinated both Peter Jemison and Charles Burchfield, as one of the first plants emerging in spring wetlands. Its hoodlike flower called a spathe surrounds a central pollen-covered spadix which attracts pollinators like flies and carrion beetles. Leaves emerge later, and when crushed, emit a skunk-like scent, hence its name.