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There is no scientific leaderboard for the “worst-smelling” flower. Odor varies with temperature, flowering stage and the observer. The nine entries below are illustrative examples of flowers or flowering structures described as foul-smelling, especially those that mimic carrion to attract flies, beetles or bats. Several are documented only at genus or group level, so this is not an objective ranking.
Why do some flowers smell like decay?
Many unpleasant-smelling flowers use chemical cues associated with dead animals or rotting organic matter. Those odors can attract carrion-feeding flies and beetles that transfer pollen while searching for food or egg-laying sites. Heat, dark coloration, visual markings and the timing of scent release can reinforce the deception.
“Corpse flower” is an ambiguous common name. It can mean Rafflesia, a true single flower, or titan arum, whose spectacular structure is an inflorescence made of many tiny flowers.
Nine notorious examples
1. Rafflesia
Rafflesia is a parasitic plant that spends most of its life hidden inside Tetrastigma vines. When its enormous true flower opens, it releases a rotting-meat-like smell that attracts carrion flies. Kew describes the plant and its pollination system in its smelly-plants overview.
#1 Best Overall
- The Corpse Flower, also known as Amorphophallus titanum or titan arum, is the world’s largest unbranched inflorescence (cluster of flowers on a main stem). This cluster of flowers is wrapped in a tall green spathe, surrounded by a deep burgundy bloom resembling the color and texture of flesh. This, along with the pungent odor make it memorable.
- Carnivorous Plant. These flowers usually take 7-10 years to bloom for the first time, and then can re-bloom every 3-5 years afterward, usually in the summer.
- Best Grown in a Greenhouse or Inside in Pots. They eventually have a large corm underground. See the Product Details on this listing.
- Soak the seed and press gently into damp soil until covered. Keep Moist. A plastic dome over the pot will keep it moist. These flowers are native to Sumatra and Borneo.
- Marde Ross & Company has been a Licensed California Nursery since 1985.
2. Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum)
Titan arum is native to Sumatra. Its “flower” is actually an inflorescence: a tall central spadix surrounded by a purple-brown spathe. The spadix can heat to about 37°C, and the combination of warmth and rotten-meat odor helps attract pollinators. Kew reported an open-bloom phase of 48–72 hours and an inflorescence reaching up to 3 metres in 2026 (Kew’s 2026 release; Botanic Gardens of South Australia).
3. Sausage tree (Kigelia africana)
Kew describes the flowers of Kigelia africana as unpleasant-smelling, with the odor more noticeable at night. Staff have compared the scent with mice, and Kew suggests bats may be among the animals attracted to it. The tree is covered in the same Kew overview of smelly plants.
Rank #2
- For germination temperature: 16-32℃
- Type: Hibiscus Seeds
- Style: perennial
4. Stapelia species
Stapelia is a group of succulent “starfish flowers” commonly described as smelling like dead animals. A 2013 Palomar College Arboretum newsletter lists Stapelia among carrion-scented blossoms (Palomar College Arboretum). Because the source discusses the genus rather than one standardized species comparison, it does not establish a place in a universal stink ranking.
5. Hydnora africana
The Palomar overview names Hydnora africana as an odorous or carrion-associated flower. Its unusual flower emerges from the ground, and the source presents it as an example rather than a measured odor champion.
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Rank #3
- Dazzling Long-Lasting Blooms: Produces abundant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom continuously from spring to fall, infusing gardens, balconies, or patios with non-stop vibrancy
- Beginner-Friendly Cultivation: Requires minimal effort to grow! Thrives in full sunlight (6+ hours daily) and well-drained soil—simply sow directly outdoors after the last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks early for earlier blooms
- Sowing rate: 2-3 seeds per plant. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.
- Versatile Planting Options: Ideal for various scenarios—perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, flower beds, or container gardens. Its trailing and mounding growth habits add depth to vertical gardens or edge borders, fitting any outdoor decor style
- Heat & Drought Tolerant: Built to withstand hot summer temperatures (suitable for USDA zones 9-11) and mild drought once established. Maintains lush blooms even in warm climates, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it a low-maintenance choice
6. Western skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)
Lysichiton americanus appears in the Palomar list of strongly odorous flowers. The common name itself reflects its reputation for a skunk-like smell. The cited overview does not provide a comparable intensity measurement.
7. Other Amorphophallus species
Titan arum belongs to Amorphophallus, a genus that includes other flowers known for carrion-like odors. The Palomar overview discusses Amorphophallus broadly, but the reviewed material does not supply a species-by-species odor ranking. Do not assume every species reaches titan arum’s size, heat or bloom duration.
Rank #4
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- SAPPHIRE-BLUE GARDEN TREASURE: A beautiful and unusual plant with delicate sapphire-blue flowers. Large, fringed basket-like inflorescences are famous for their intricate bud carving and bright blue color effect. Petal shades range from sky blue to lilac-purple.
- THE BLUEST IN THE FLORAL KINGDOM: These whimsical flowers resemble miniature carnations with the famous indigo hue. This bold color adds unique flair to romantic country-style gardens and creates a multi-layered, textured look as a contrast to other wildflowers.
- TALL, GRACEFUL, AND PROLIFIC: Captivating waves of saturated violet-blue pompons sway on sturdy, downy stems with silvery foliage. A long growing season guarantees months of dynamic beauty, keeping gardens bright and alive with continuous blooming until frost.
8. Other Rafflesia species
Rafflesia contains multiple species, and the genus is associated with rotting-meat scent and carrion-fly pollination. The Kew account supports those traits for the genus, but it does not establish which named species smells strongest.
9. Additional carrion-flower examples
The Palomar Arboretum overview discusses further carrion- or decay-scented examples without providing enough species-level detail to support a defensible ninth-place ranking. They belong on a list of notorious odors, not on a scientifically ordered scale.
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- Moonflower grows best in moist, well-draining conditions, with six hours of full sunlight, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and temperatures above 60°F.
- Moonflower is best planted in the spring in a full-sun location after the danger of frost has passed.
- It can also grow in hanging containers or as a ground cover. This vining plant likes to climb, so provide a trellis or support structure.
- Moonflower grows best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days.
- Moonflower likes a moderate amount of soil moisture. Water young plants regularly so their soil stays moist but not soggy.
How the examples differ
| Example | What produces the smell? | Reported or suspected pollinators | Key qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafflesia | True single flower | Carrion flies | Parasitic inside Tetrastigma vines |
| Titan arum | Inflorescence of many flowers | Carrion-attracted insects | Heat and odor; open bloom lasts 48–72 hours |
| Kigelia africana | Flowers | Bats suggested by Kew | Scent is more noticeable at night |
| Stapelia, Hydnora, Lysichiton | Flowers or inflorescences, depending on genus | Source describes carrion or odor associations | Older educational overview; no comparable odor scale |
Conservation matters more than the smell
Titan arum is assessed as Endangered in the wild. Kew identifies deforestation and land-use change as major threats and notes that living botanic-garden collections help conserve the species. Its spectacular, short flowering event should not obscure the fact that the plant is difficult to reproduce and vulnerable in its native habitat.
What is the smelliest flower?
No reliable answer exists without a standardized test controlling temperature, flower age, airflow and observer response. Rafflesia and titan arum are the best-documented “corpse flower” examples, while Kigelia africana, Stapelia, Hydnora and Lysichiton show that foul floral odors have evolved in several unrelated plant lineages.
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