Symplocarpus foetidus (Eastern Skunk Cabbage)

Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as Eastern Skunk Cabbage (also known as Swamp Cabbage, Clumpfoot Cabbage, or Meadow Cabbage, Foetid Pothos or Polecat Weed), is a low-growing plant that grows in wetlands and moist hill slopes of eastern North America. Bruised leaves present an odor reminiscent of skunk. The plant grows from a thick rhizome, typically measuring 30cm. Leaves are large large, 40-55cm long and 30-40cm wide. Blooming early in the spring, just its blossoms can be seen above the mud. The spathe, is 10-15cm tall and comes in a variety of colours, and the spadix is 5-10cm long. While older spathes develop a darker color with purple smears, younger spathes have a yellowish-green color.