Skunk cabbage typically begins flowering in late winter or early spring, usually in March or April.
skunk cabbage
Symplocarpus foetidus
Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is a perennial flowering plant native to moist woodlands and wetlands in much of North America. The plant is tall and robust, standing up to 3 feet high and consisting of an unbranched stem with bright green mealy foliage. The name skunk cabbage reflects the unpleasant odor that is emitted by the plant as it begins to flower in the spring. The skunk cabbage flowers are maroon or greenish-yellow and bloom before the leaves unfurl. The plant has been used in traditional medicine by Native Americans for its antifungal and analgesic properties. With its distinct aroma and vibrant colors, the skunk cabbage is truly a unique and interesting species.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cormlet Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 7
Flowers:
Mottled maroon and chartreuse spathe, pale yellow to purple spadix Flowers
Sun:
Part shade,full shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Watering skunk cabbage should be done in moderation and should happen every 7 to 10 days. The plant should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged or saturated. If you are unsure whether your skunk cabbage needs watering, check the surface of the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, then it's time to water. Avoid wetting the leaves of the skunk cabbage as this could cause damage or disease. Additionally, water early in the day so the foliage time to dry before nightfall to prevent unnecessary water loss.
sunlight
Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) typically thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. Generally, early morning sunlight for 4–5 hours is ideal for this particular species. During the hottest parts of day – late morning through early afternoon – skunk cabbages should receive some shade to prevent them from wilting or becoming too hot. In order to ensure the healthiest and most vibrant blooms, skunk cabbage should receive some direct sunlight during late afternoon and early evening. However, they should not be exposed to long hours of intense direct sunlight or excessive heat.
pruning
Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) should be pruned in the late winter or early spring, while the plant is still dormant. Pruning should be done gently and carefully, removing any broken, discolored, or diseased leaves, stems, and stalks. It is also important to remove any flowering stalks that have produced seeds, in order to control the spread of this invasive species. When pruning, only remove about 1 third of the plant's foliage each year. Skunk cabbage can handle more significant pruning, but this should be done sparingly.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
