life
cycle - native perennial, reproducing by seed and a thick rhizome
leaves – basal,
oval with rounded or heart-shaped base and blunt-pointed tip,
dark green, margins entire, smooth, appear as flowers end,
petioled growth
habit, leaves
flowers – 4-sepaled,
yellowish-green to purple, small; round or oval spadix inside
hooded and fleshy spathe, spathe brownish purple with green
spots or stripes, near ground, before leaves emerge often when
snow is still present
fruit – brown
to black berries, round cluster
other – unpleasant
skunk-like smell when crushed or cut
