Skunk cabbage ( Symplocarpus foetidus ) is notable for two interesting qualities: 1) it has the ability to generate temperatures of up to 27 to 73 degrees F. above air temperature in order to melt it way through frozen ground (thermogenesis); 2) its foul odor attracts its pollinators--scavenging flies, stoneflies, and bees.
 Pussy willow is a name given to many of the smaller species of the genus Salix (willows and sallows) when their furry catkins are young in early spring. (Wikipedia) |  Before the male catkins of these species come into full flower they are covered in fine, greyish fur, leading to a fancied likeness to tiny cats. |