Symplocarpus foetidus aka Skunk Cabbage

Symplocarpus foetidus is a perennial herb called eastern skunk cabbage. It belongs to the arum family, Araceae. Its native range covers eastern Canada and the north-central and eastern United States. It grows in swamps, fens, wet woods, and stream edges. Wetland loss threatens it in some parts of its range. Garden plants should not come from wild collections.

Plants grow 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) tall in gardens. Their spread reaches 2–4 feet (0.61–1.22 m). Rhizomes support a low, spreading clump with strong roots. Once the roots take hold, moving the plant becomes hard. Large green leaves have an oval or heart-shaped outline. Deep veins mark the blades, which have smooth edges. Leaves emerge after the flowers and die back by summer’s end. Bruised leaves give off a strong, foul smell.

Flowers appear from February to April, close to the ground. A fleshy spathe forms a hood around the spadix. Its colors mix maroon, purple-brown, and yellow-green. The spadix bears small flowers and ranges from pale yellow to purple. Flower heads reach about 0.5 feet (0.15 m) tall. They make heat, which can melt the snow around them. Heat also helps spread the scent that draws insect pollinators. Flies and gnats visit these early blooms. Fruits follow flowering and change from green to dark purple or black. As the fruits break down, seeds fall and may sprout.

Choose a shaded site with wet, humus-rich, acidic soil. Dappled light suits the plant, but hot afternoon sun does not. The soil must not dry out, since drought harms it. Brief flooding is acceptable, but the crown must not stay underwater. It grows in USDA zones 4–7 and needs little routine upkeep. Use it beside ponds or streams, or in shaded bog gardens. Its early flowers and broad leaves add seasonal interest. Birds and some plant-eating animals also visit it. No serious insect or disease problems are reported. Sow fresh seed at once; stored seed is unsuitable.

Treat this plant as toxic to people and pets. Calcium oxalate crystals can cause mouth pain, swelling, and drooling. Swallowing may become hard, and vomiting can occur. Cornell lists every plant part as poisonous. NC State also lists uncurled leaves and roots as edible. These conflicting reports do not establish a safe way to eat them.