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Vernal Pool with Skunk Cabbage

Posted by woodlandgal 4 (My Page) on
Tue, Apr 13, 10 at 22:53

We have a vernal pool that dries up in the summer due to droughts here. Every spring two skunk cabbages come up on the edge, but not through the snow. Right now they are the spaeths which are covered in black flies. I have never damaged the leaves so have never smelled their odor, but I think they area beautiful plants.
Even though the VP dries up, the SC stays healthy looking all summer.
This area measures about 25 x 50 ft. with trees hanging over it and complete shade during the summer.
I would like to landscape around it with plants that would be suitable for the shady, moist conditions.
I am in zone 4 in western WI. Thanks for any ideas.


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Vernal Pool with Skunk Cabbage

How about doing nothing at all!
Vernal pools are so unique that they often have plants that can only be found there and no where else. They are also unique in offering breeding sites for amphibians during this time of the year.
It is my belief that if you were to modify the area around the pool that you may be endangering both the animals and some of the plants that grow there.
Please reconsider. You may wnat to see if any local university have researchers who are into studying such pools and by giving them an opportunity to check yours out you might be able to learn alot about it and also find out if doing any landscaping around it would be advisable or not.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vernal pools


 
 

 

 


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