Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Skunk
Cabbage
(Polecat Weed)
Symplocarpus foetidus
[C-value
8]
Arum family (Araceae)
Blooms Mid-February - March
The native Skunk Cabbage is common in our area. This perennial prefers partial sun to light shade and consistently wet mucky soil. The bloom emerges very early (before the leaf shoots) having a curved spathe near the ground surrounding a spadix. The curved spathe is about 4" long and 2" across tapering to a point at its tip. One side of the spathe opens to reveal the dark purple spadix, about 1" long and ½" wide, covered with small green to yellow flowers. The plant later produces a rosette of smooth basal leaves that are medium to dark green and oval-shaped that can grow up to 2' long and 1' across with stout petioles up to 1' long.
Skunk Cabbage blooms at Maramech Forest Preserve March 3, 2014
The Skunk Cabbage bloom is one of the earliest to emerge in the spring. They emit a carrion-like odor that attracts flies and bees. Inside the spathe, the plant generates heat thus offering a warming shelter for the early pollinators when the weather is still cold.
Skunk Cabbage at Millbrook South Forest Preserve May 4, 2013
Skunk Cabbage maturing flowers at Millbrook South Forest Preserve May 4, 2013
Skunk Cabbage colony at Richard Young Forest Preserve June 18, 2013
Skunk Cabbage seed cluster at Millbrook South Forest Preserve June 4, 2013
Skunk Cabbage was used extensively as a medicinal plant by the Winnebago and Dakota tribes to stimulate the removal of phlegm in asthma. It was also used as a seasoning in soups and stews. From 1820 to 1882, it was used in pharmaceutical products as the drug "dracontium," to treat respiratory diseases, nervous disorders, rheumatism, and dropsy. Warning: It should not be eaten raw as its roots are toxic and the leaves can burn the mouth. Reminder: see our Do Not Disturb Notice.
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