3 corpse flowers to bloom at the U.S. Botanic Garden

For the first time ever, three corpse flowers are in bloom simultaneously at the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory on Capitol Hill.

In fact, there have never been three corpse flowers in bloom at the same time at one institution in North America. The corpse flower is native to Indonesia.

Corpse flowers' stench is compared to the smell of rotting flesh, thus the origin of their name. The smell is most pungent during peak bloom late at night and into the early morning..

It is estimated blooming will begin anytime between now and August 23.

The plant's blooming periods are unpredictable, occurring anywhere between once every few years to once a decade.

The U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory will be extending hours until 10 p.m. once the corpse flowers bloom to allow more people to see them.

Visit the U.S. Botanic Garden's website to learn more and watch a live stream of the flowers.