Rare Corpse Flowers Bloom Across the United States

Amorphophallus titanum, also known as corpse flowers, are endangered flowers that emit a potent odor reminiscent of decaying flesh. These rare flowers are a sight to see standing up to 12 feet tall. The flowers are often given unique names like Zeus or Cosmo by their caretakers, adding excitement to their rare blooming.

Corpse flowers bloom for only 2 or 3 days, with anywhere from two to seven years between blooms. This year, there have been several blooms across the United States from Colorado to Connecticut. 

In late May, Colorado State University experienced one of these extraordinary blooms. The university’s corpse flower, which goes by the name Cosmo, bloomed on May 25. Cosmo became the first corpse flower to bloom at Colorado State University, according to CSU Plant Growth Facilities Manager Tammy Brenner. 

Eastern Connecticut State University has also experienced one of these rare blooms. The University’s interim director, Ryan Quigley, told Connecticut Public Radio, “I would say it's like if you've ever smelled something that makes you wanna throw up, that would be the smell. You also do get used to it, believe it or not.”

At the Nashville Zoo, an Amorphophallus titanum named Zeus bloomed in early June. Zeus, on loan from Austin Peay State University, is just one of six corpse flowers at the Nashville Zoo. 

Millie, the corpse flower at Missouri's Botanical Garden in St. Louis, bloomed on June 10, making Millie the garden’s 15th corpse flower bloom.