Fetid Adder's Tongues or Slink Pods

Scoliopus bigelovii (LILIACEAE)

Scolio-pus,crooked foot, for the long sinuous flower-stalk; bigelovii for Dr. J. W. Bigelow, collector on Mexican Boundary Survey, 1850's.
A fascinating plant, its peculiarities manifest in its common names. The thread-like basal flower-stalks, each end in a single flower, become very sprawling and sinuous as the 3-angled fruits mature, hence Slink Pods. The flowers, each with petals narrow, erect or incurving, have a foul odor, hence Fetid Adder's Tongue. Stem short, underground, producing 2 broad, glossy mottled leaves. Deep shade. One of our earliest wildflowers.

Redw. For.

Jan.-Mch.

Source: Wild Flowers of Marin


Photo copyright 1994 Brother Eric Vogel

-- Michael Paul Thoma

I'd value your comments. Email me at mike@thoma.com

Last updated 30 Dec, 1995.