Have been watching this grow for weeks while taking our daily walk on the path. It was really the first thing I noticed that was bringing the ground out of it's winter brown color if you don't count the moss which stayed green all winter. It is called Skunk cabbage and insects love it but it is toxic to humans. If you break it I am told it smells like bad meat. Think I'll take they're word for it . I was surprised to see two mallard ducks in the little stream today along the path.