Symplocarpus foetidus
Poisonous Plants Homepage of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Skunk Cabbage is a
large-leafed plant that grows in wet areas, especially near
streams, ponds, marshes,
and wet woods. It is easy to recognize, with its huge leaves
rising directly from the ground. Skunk Cabbage is one of
the first plants to bloom in the Spring, and can bloom
anywhere from February to May. The first part of the plant
to appear is the spathe. The spathe is a brownish-purple,
shell-like pod with green splotches. It may resemble
something from a science-fiction movie. As the spathe gets
bigger, it will reveal another part inside, called a spadix.
The spadix is a litle knob covered with small yellow
flowers. Brad Slaughter USDA, NRCS, 1995 -
Midwestern Wetland Plants USDA, NRCS, 1995 -
Midwestern Wetland Plants Scott A. Milburn,
Wisconsin State Herbarium By late Spring, the Skunk
Cabbage will send up a tightly rolled leaf. When the leaf
unfurls, it may be one to two feet long and a foot
wide. When leaves are bruised
or crushed, the plant releases a strong odor which smells
like rotten meat. This smell attracts insects. Insects arrive and find
the flowers of the Skunk Cabbage. They then help
pollinate
the plant by taking pollen
from one cabbage to another. Many fly species, as well as
some butterflies, bees, and beetles pollinate Skunk
Cabbage. Mildred E. Mathias
Botanical Garden Matthew C.
Perry In the fall, Skunk
Cabbage leaves fall over and begin to rot. Many animals,
including slugs, millipedes, and isopods eat the old leaves,
but Skunk Cabbage leaves are poisonous
to mammals
(including us). The large fallen leaves
also provide good shelter
for small animals. In late Winter and early Spring, the new
flowers give off heat. This heat is strong enough to melt
snow around the plant. Flies and other insects seek their
warmth.
University of Deleware Department of Biological Sciences