Seasonal Wild Flowers

American Skunk-cabbage

Lysichiton americanus

Skunk Cabbage

Araceae

March to May

It is scattered throughout the country but is less common

in eastern areas.

See the BSBI distribution map for American Skunk-cabbage

It is a neophyte which was introduced into the UK around

1900 and grown by water in estates, gardens and parks.

It was first recognised in the wild in the 1940s and is

naturalised in swampy habitats. It may be increasing.

American Skunk-cabbage is a striking, smelly, perennial,

rhizomatous herb growing up to 150cm.

The spathe enclosing the flower spike is bright yellow and

collapses after the anthers produce pollen.

The spadix is green and lengthens as the flowers develop

and overtops the spathe.

The flowers are bisexual with 4 cream stamens and a

sessile, capitate stigma.

The leaves are dark green, broad and up to 150cm.

The fruits are green berries with 2 seeds.

American Skunk-cabbage, marshy ground, Somerset

Green leaves, yellow spathes

Unopen spathe

Flower spikes within spathes

Close-up of flowers - 4 cream stamens

Close-up of anthers producing pollen

Young berries with capitate stigmas

Leaves