The Not-So-Deceased Dream: Where to Witness the Fabled Corpse Flower in California
Ah, the corpse flower. A botanical wonder with a reputation that precedes it. Towering, phallic-shaped (ahem), and emitting an odor best described as a wet gym sock festival, this rare bloom is a must-see for any nature enthusiast with a strong stomach (and a good sense of humor). But where, oh where, can you catch a whiff of this odiferous oddity in the Golden State?
Fear not, fellow fan of the funky flora! California boasts several botanical gardens that cultivate these temperamental titans. Here's the lowdown on where you might witness this stinky spectacle:
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens: Pasadena's Huntington has a history with corpse flowers. They've had blooms in 2014, 2018 (three in one year! Talk about a stink trifecta!), and 2022. Keep an eye on
The Huntington website California Academy of Sciences: San Francisco's Cal Academy isn't shy about their corpse flower obsession (or maybe they're just used to the smell). They even gave theirs a name - Mirage! Mirage bloomed in March 2024, but fear not, corpse flower hopefuls! These guys are known to cultivate multiple plants, so there's always a chance of another future stinker. Stay tuned to the Cal Academy's
phenomena page Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Did someone say underdog? This university surprised everyone in July 2023 with their very first corpse flower bloom! While blooms aren't guaranteed every year, it's worth keeping an eye on Cal Poly's
College of Science and Mathematics Facebook page
Important Note: These odiferous oddities are notoriously fickle. Blooms can last just 24-48 hours, and predicting the exact timing is tricky. Be prepared for a possible olfactory adventure (or disappointment) – that's part of the corpse flower experience!
Bonus Tip: If you miss the bloom, some gardens (like The Huntington) might have time-lapse videos of past corpse flower glories on their websites.
**How To FAQs:
- How to Smell a Corpse Flower Without Getting Trampled? These blooms are popular! Check the venue's website for bloom updates and any special ticketing procedures.
- How to Prepare for the Corpse Flower's Aroma? Think nose plugs... but seriously, strong coffee beans or menthol can help temporarily overpower the smell.
- How to Photograph a Corpse Flower? Be quick! The bloom doesn't last long. Bring a camera with a good flash, as lighting can be dim.
- How to Not Faint from the Smell? Stay hydrated and get some fresh air periodically, especially if you're indoors with the blooming flower.
- How to Get My Own Corpse Flower? Unless you have greenhouse experience and years of patience, this might not be the best houseplant. Admire them in the wild (or well, the botanical garden)!