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EXPLORE > PLANTS > ANGIOSPERMS
Lysichiton americanus
Skunk cabbage, which may be alternately known as swamp lantern, is a large perennial plant often found in bogs, estuaries and swampy areas of the Pacific Northwest. They may look similar to large cabbages with bright green leaves. During the spring and summer, the plant will produce yellow, oval-shaped flowers which taper to a sharp tip. The leaves and flowers of the skunk cabbage are the largest of any plant growing in the same range. Leaves will reach up to 4.4 feet (135 cm) in length with flowers up to 1.3 feet (40 cm) in height.
The unusual name refers to the distinctive, skunk-like odor produced when the plant is blooming. Although the smell may be offensive to people, it serves an important function to the plant by attracting pollinating insects.
Since most parts of the plant are edible, Native Americans utilized skunk cabbage extensively. It has no modern market and is often considered a weed. Most animals will not consume the plant but black bears will often dig up and consume the bulbs.
Distribution
Skunk cabbage can be found from Alaska south to Santa Cruz County, California. There are also some isolated populations in Idaho, Montana and eastern Washington.
Conservation Status
Common.
Lysichiton americanus
Skunk cabbage, which may be alternately known as swamp lantern, is a large perennial plant often found in bogs, estuaries and swampy areas of the Pacific Northwest. They may look similar to large cabbages with bright green leaves. During the spring and summer, the plant will produce yellow, oval-shaped flowers which taper to a sharp tip. The leaves and flowers of the skunk cabbage are the largest of any plant growing in the same range. Leaves will reach up to 4.4 feet (135 cm) in length with flowers up to 1.3 feet (40 cm) in height.
The unusual name refers to the distinctive, skunk-like odor produced when the plant is blooming. Although the smell may be offensive to people, it serves an important function to the plant by attracting pollinating insects.
Since most parts of the plant are edible, Native Americans utilized skunk cabbage extensively. It has no modern market and is often considered a weed. Most animals will not consume the plant but black bears will often dig up and consume the bulbs.
Distribution
Skunk cabbage can be found from Alaska south to Santa Cruz County, California. There are also some isolated populations in Idaho, Montana and eastern Washington.
Conservation Status
Common.
