A striking plant in spring is the American Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton Americanus) with its bright yellow flowers and shiny leaves.  It was once popular for bog gardens and beside ponds .but is banned for sale now because it spreads easily and has become invasive in damp areas and can block ditches and streams.  During summer the leaves grow like huge cabbage leaves 1.5 metres high. shading smaller native plants.  As the flowers develop it gives out a horrid smell like rotting flesh to attract flies so the large group in the extra photo will probably smell awful by summer.