The extraordinary skunk cabbage

"The skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus, is one of the most curious and widespread wild flowers of the midwest and northeast. Its disparaging common name tends to devalue a fascinating flower which, while certainly not a horticultural marvel, is sometimes cheekily referred to as the American hosta – especially for the benefit of overseas visitors. But what makes this relatively demure flower so intriguing?"

So starts my piece on this fascinating plant in in the January-February issue of American Gardener magazine. Members of the American Horticultural Society can read the piece here. If you're not a member, I urge you to join.

There's more on this plant from last April here on Transatlantic Plantsman. Read it here.

Comments

[Nancy Bond]

I think it's blooms are rather lovely, and certainly unique. It doesn't deserve its name. :)

[Duncan Brine/Garden Large]

I wonder what native companion plants are pleasing and would function well with skunk
cabbage.
Late season when the cabbage leaves have decayed is an opportunity for other, perhaps diminutive, plants to move into the cabbage zone.