This aquatic perennial has a thick rhizome to 50 mm (2 in) in diameter and erect foliage that forms a clump. It has dark green banana-like leaves and the yellow to white boat-like spathes enclosed the greenish spike-like flower head during early spring.

Hardiness zones 6 to 9

Lysichiton americanusis naturally found in Western North America from British Columbia, Alaska to California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington growing on the margins of swamps or low wet woodlands and along creek margins from sea level to an altitude of 1,400 m (4943 ft).

It prefers an open sunny position and it grows in organic rich moist to wet sandy clay loam that is tending acidic. It also grows directly in water and it is drought tender but frost tolerant.

The Western Skunk Cabbage is grown for its colourful flowers and clumping habit. It is planted in small gardens around or in water features or mass planted along pond margins or used as a ground cover.

It is also used in bog gardens or planted in poorly drained parts of the garden but can be invasive. It is suitable to coastal and inland regions and establishes in 1-2 years from this division and is long-lived. This aquatic perennial is suitable for cold regions and has naturalised in parts of Europe. ID 3062

Lysichiton(ly-sih-KY-ton) americanus(a-mer-ih-KAY-nus)

Note:
Care should be taken when selecting a site as all parts of the plant poisonous containing calcium oxylate that cause swelling of the throat and breathing canals become constricted.

Araceae(a-RAY-see-ee)