Something near the Capitol smells rotten. It’s the corpse flower approaching its infamous bloom, now on display at the US Botanic Garden. This is a rare sight, with each plant taking several years (or even decades) to bloom. At its peak, the plant emits a putrid, dying meat odor that pollinators can’t seem to get enough of.

But don’t let this special guest overshadow the rest of the plants on display! The Botanic Garden is a DC wonder, filled with diverse, awe-inspiring plants, many of which have headlined in David Attenborough’s documentaries. It’s a refreshing stop on the Mall.

View the bloom in real time on the USBC webcam.





* Postcards from Washington DC is a personal challenge to produce a weekly illustration that highlights life in the capital.