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Symplocarpus foetidus
Skunk Cabbage
This plant looks vaguely like an open-headed cabbage plant. The large, green leaves appear as the tiny, purple flowers fade, emitting a distinct, skunk-like smell when bruised.
- » Maroon spathe is open on one side to reveal green-yellow flowers (spadix)
- » Large green leaves unfold as flowers fade
- » Foliage reaches its maximum size by early summer (60cm x 30cm)
- » Both leaves and flowers emit a skunk-like smell
- » Bloom Time: February to May
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- Category:Perennials
- Hardiness Zone:3
- Height:40-60 cm
- Spread:60 cm
- Bloom Color: Purple
Growth Rate
| • | Medium |
Flowering Time
| • | Early Spring |
Foliage Color
| • | Green |
Planting instructions
| • | Container Plants |
Additional Information about Symplocarpus foetidus
- Cabbage-like leaves, when bruised, have a skunk-like odour, hence its common name.
- Flowers also emit a skunk odour that flies detect, which helps with pollination.
- A chemical process allows the flowers to heat up to 15 degrees Celsius to help melt through a late winter snow cover.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Symplocarpus foetidus
Plant in partial to full shade in a consistently moist or wet, mucky soil. May also be found in shallow standing waters, 2-5 cm in depth. Naturally found in wet deciduous forests, swamps, or shady wetlands. In late summer leaves will wither away, especially if sufficient water is not provided.