eastern skunk cabbage

plant

Also known as: Symplocarpus foetidus, chou puant, tabac du diable(Show More)

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June 25, 2026

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Skunk cabbage refers to three species of plants found in wet, boggy areas within temperate regions. The eastern skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus, is native to eastern North America and has large leaves, purple-brown spathes, and a distinctive skunk-like odor. This plant belongs to the arum family.1

Another species, the western or yellow skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum), is found from California to Alaska and has a large yellow spathe. A third species, native to eastern Asia, also has a large spathe, which is white. The plant's strong odor is a notable characteristic across these species.12

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skunk cabbage
…America the skunk cabbage is Symplocarpus foetidus, which belongs to the arum family (Araceae, order Arales). In French-speaking parts of Canada it is called tabac du diable (“devil’s tobacco”) or chou puant (“stinking cabbage”). It is a fleshy, herbaceous plant with large leaves, purple-brown spathes, and a skunklike odour; a…
Read More
…America the skunk cabbage is Symplocarpus foetidus, which belongs to the arum family (Araceae, order Arales). In French-speaking parts of Canada it is called tabac du diable (“devil’s tobacco”) or chou puant (“stinking cabbage”). It is a fleshy, herbaceous plant with large leaves, purple-brown spathes, and a skunklike odour; a…
Read More