Lysichiton americanus

Yellow-skunk-cabbage is a large, handsome perennial that begins the season with an unusual flower and continues through the summer as a rosette of monstrous, paddle-shaped, tropical-looking, glossy leaves which rise to 3 ft. or more. A spike of minute flowers surrounded by a large, conspicuous yellow or cream bract open on one side; grows on a stout stalk in a cluster of giant, erect, leaves. The flower is a club of greenish-yellow flowerlets surrounded by a large, yellow spathe up to 8 in. long. The flowers eventually become reddish berries.
The common name refers to the skunk-like odor of the sap and the fetid odor of the flowers, which draws flies as pollinators. The peppery sap was once used as a treatment for ringworm. The short, fleshy underground stem is eaten by animals. Baked, it supplemented the winter diets of Indians.

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Lysichiton Americanus

Lysichiton americanus

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