American Skunk Cabbage

Lysichiton americanus

A lot of bog gardens have this imported colourful plant but it’s so prolific that it is becoming a pest, escaping into the wild. On the walk to Ganavan Sands we couldn't help noticing two large populations, one on either side of the road, some distance apart, all of which presumably started in someone’s garden. It’s bright and cheerful along the stream edges, but you can smell it before you see it.

The ‘scent’ attracts its pollinators, allegedly. We’ve been watching these patches grow for about 5 years, and this spring is definitely the most dense. It seems to present only a moderate risk at the moment, but with its enormous leaves I can see it will easily outgrow many local waterside species.

In the US it was used by Native American Indians for all sorts of purposes including medicine, and food on lean years. Mainly it’s use was to line baskets or wrap food before it was cooked on the fire. Bears also like it’s roots before hibernating. Don’t try it yourself, it contains a powerful irritant