Skunk Cabbage Flower Plant

Tree Branch, How to Grow

About the Skunk Cabbage Flower Plant

If you are looking for Skunk Cabbage Flowers, chances are you will not find them in the home garden. We do not know of any seed companies that carry the seed or rhizomes. However, you will find Skunk Cabbage plants growing in woodlands, wetlands, and near streams. It thrives in wet, marshy areas. And, some homeowners may find this plant a good fit in backyards that are shady and has frequently wet, boggy soil. They are native of North America, from California to Alaska and east to Montana.

Skunk Cabbage Flower Plant Description

Skunk cabbage is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. The three-inch flower stem produces brown flowers and will grow right through the receding snow in the spring. Flowers produce berry-like fruit. The plant grows up to three feet tall. And, the huge leaves can reach two feet wide. 

What is most memorable about an encounter with this flower is its strong, offensive odor, resembling rotting meat. While humans do not like the smell, bee and fly pollinators are attracted to the foul odor.

Skunk Cabbage is grown from seeds. It is also propagated by digging up rhizomes of established plants and replanting them.

Plant Height: Early spring blooms grow 3″. The plant grows up to 3 feet, with individual leaves that can grow to one foot across.

The leaves are edible, ONLY if dried first. It is important to be able to distinguish between the different varieties, as one variety is poisonous.

Skunk Cabbage Flower Plant Specifications

Flower Colors: Varying shades of green, dark purple, maroon, and yellow.

Flowers Bloom: Early spring.

Plant height: One to three feet.

Ideal Soil pH: Acidic.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 4 – 7

Light Needs: Partial to full shade.

Toxic Plant?: Yes.

Deer Resistant? Yes. The plant’s strong odor is a deterrent to deer, rabbits, and other foraging animals.

Number of Species: 3.

Plant Type: Perennial.

Native To: North American wetlands.

Botanical Name: Symplocarpus Foetidus

Are Skunk Cabbage Plants Edible?

YES!!

However, it contains toxins and cannot be eaten raw. Eating even a small amount raw can cause burning and swelling of the mouth and throat. Cooking it removes the toxins.

Keep this plant away from young children and pets. 

How to Grow Skunk Cabbage Flower Plants

Planting location:

Skunk Cabbage plants are a cool weather plant. They grow best in partially shaded areas.  Harsh sunlight can damage or kill the plants. This wildflower is native to marshes and bogs. So, the perfect planting spot is a low, wet area of your backyard.

Soil and fertilizer needs:

They are heavy feeders and need rich soil to thrive. The first time you plant them, mix in plenty of compost and well-rotted manure. Add in lots of leaf mulch, too.

Water needs:

The plants need consistently moist soil. Do not allow the soil to dry out at any time during the growing season. 

Other Names

Other names include:

  • Devils’ Tobacco

  • Bear’s Leaf

  • Bears Roots

  • Corn Lilly, a poisonous variety.

Medicinal Uses for

In the 1800s a drug called “Dracontinium”, made from skunk cabbage, was used to treat a variety of ailments.

The rhizomes are used for a variety of ailments, including:

  • Antispasmodic

  • asthma

  • coughs

  • headaches

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