WSU Clark County Extension
PNW Plants Searchable, categorized images
              

Western Skunk Cabbage

Scientific name: Lysichiton americanum
Taxonomy
Family:Araceae
Type:Groundcovers Herbaceus
Native:YES
Plant Requirements
Zone:6 to 8
Sun:Partial shade
Moisture:Wet
Plant Characteristics
Height:5 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:February to March
Bloom Color:Yellow
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Western Skunk Cabbage derives its name from the malodorous, distinctive "skunky" odor that it emits. The brilliant color of the flowers earns it an alternative name of Swamp Lantern.

  Morphology:
This native herbaceous plant grows up to 5’ tall and 2’ wide. The lance-shaped green leaves have a distinctive net-veination. The leaves emerge after the flowers. When crushed, the leaves can emit the same characteristic unpleasant odor as the flowers.

Flowers are yellowish green in color consisting of an outer spathe, with an inner, index-finger-shaped spadex. The entire flower will attract pollinating flies.

Skunk Cabbage is one of the first plants to bloom in spring. They can begin to emerge in February and go through March. Flowers have distinctive odor, becoming stronger when bruised.

  Adaptation:
Skunk cabbage is a plant found in swamps and wet woods, along streams and in other wet areas of the Pacific Northwest. It grows under conditions of partial sun to partial shade.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234