Lysichiton americanus

RHS Plant Profile
yellow skunk cabbage

Other common names

American skunk cabbage, western skunk cabbage

This plant is listed as an invasive non-native species in the UK – see Cultivation section for details A robust herbaceous perennial with unpleasantly scented, bright yellow arum-like flowers up to 40cm in height in early spring, followed by rich green oval leaves up to 1.2m in length

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Araceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Genus
Lysichiton are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with large, lance-shaped leaves developing after the ovate white or yellow flower spathes surrounding the club-like, yellow or green flowering spadix
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
West N America

How to Grow

Cultivation

This plant is on the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat list of Species of Special Concern and the EU list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern (applies in NI). It should not be planted or caused to grow in the wild in the UK. It is also banned from sale, and gardeners who already have it should take steps to control it. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information

Propagation

See cultivation notes

Pests

See cultivation notes

Diseases

See cultivation notes