Yellow Skunk Cabbage
Lysichiton americanus
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Pl. E0D7 — Lysichiton americanus
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IOverview
Overview
Yellow Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) is a distinctive perennial herb native to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. This plant thrives in wet environments such as marshes and along streams, growing up to 1 meter tall. Known for its pungent odor, which attracts flies that help with pollination, it also has edible parts including leaves, roots, and shoots. Cultivated for both ornamental purposes and as a food source, this plant is hardy in zones 5-9 and prefers partial sun to full sun, along with light, medium, or heavy soil types. Its native range spans from Alaska and the Aleutian Islands southward through British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Quick answers
What is Yellow Skunk Cabbage?
Yellow Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) is a distinctive perennial herb native to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. This plant thrives in wet environments such as marshes and along streams, growing up to 1 meter tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Yellow Skunk Cabbage thrives in wet environments and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure. It grows well in light, medium, or heavy soil types. The plant is hardy in zones 5-9 and can reach a height of 1 meter. For propagation, divide the root clumps in early spring. Harvest edible parts such as leaves, roots, and shoots. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist to mimic its natural habitat.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Yellow Skunk Cabbage for the first time
8steps
Start with Yellow Skunk Cabbage to gain experience in growing wetland plants.
- 1
What you'll need
A container or garden bed, potting soil if planting in a container.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the ground is still cool and moist.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use rich, wet soil. Ensure good drainage for containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery or divide mature clumps in spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade, keep soil wet but not waterlogged. Fertilize sparingly.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health; harvest shoots for culinary use in spring.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to divide overcrowded plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: The yellow skunk cabbage is edible and can be consumed in various forms. The leaves, roots, and shoots are all usable. Typically, the young shoots are eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. Roots can also be consumed after being boiled or baked. Leaves may be used fresh in salads or prepared by boiling to remove their strong odor before consumption.
Other uses:ContainersPackingWaxed paperGround coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 10 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 8 native· 10 introduced
Europe10 regions
introduced (10)BelgiumDenmarkFinlandGermanyIrelandNetherlandsNorwaySwedenSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Aleutian Is., California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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