Lilies normally have an alluring scent, but the fetid adder's tongue (Scoliopus bigelovii), which grows throughout coastal forests in the western United States, is a little bit stinkier. The odor (which thankfully is only noticeable from a close distance) smells a little bit like rotting meat. This odor attracts fungus gnats, which are the primary pollinators of this smelly bloom. You can identify fetid adder's tongues, even when not in bloom, by their distinctive spotted leaves.
Blooming period: January to March
Habitat: You can find these adorable purple and white blooms growing in moist, mossy areas of redwood forests, often in full shade.
Where to find: Try looking in El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve or Teague Hill Open Space Preserve if you want to catch a whiff of a fetid adder's tongue!
