The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is the largest unbranched inflorescence in the plant kingdom, boasts a powerful stink, and blooms for just 2-3 days once every two to three years. The bloom can grow up to 9 feet tall! This plant fascinates visitors of all ages. 

June 2026 -- Two corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) blooms are on display. On June 3, the bloom on the right opened in peak bloom. This corpse flower is 8 years old and bloomed for the first time. It was created here at the United States Botanic Garden in 2017, by pollinating an A. titanum in our collection with pollen from another in our collection. The seed was planted in February 2018. It was 77.5" tall.

The second bloom opened in peak bloom on June 4. The USBG will stay open until 9 pm on June 4 for visitors to see the bloom opening and smell the infamous stench. It is approximately 9 years old and is blooming for the second time (first bloom was 2022). It is a clone of another A. titanum in the USBG collection. It is 73" tall.

The corpse flower blooms infrequently, often every 7–10 years, depending on energy accumulation in the corm. During bloom, the spadix heats up to human body temperature, helping disperse the odor, which contains compounds like dimethyl trisulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and trimethylamine. This mimics the smell of decaying flesh, attracting pollinators from long distances. Female flowers open first, followed by male flowers, ensuring cross-pollination.