Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus Foetidus) is a perennial herb in the Araceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires very high watering and partial shade or full shade light in USDA hardiness zones 4-7. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Symplocarpus foetidus is a low-growing perennial plant native to eastern North America, notable for its foul odor and early spring bloom.

Skunk Cabbage

Skunk Cabbage

Symplocarpus Foetidus

Symplocarpus foetidus is a low-growing perennial plant native to eastern North America, notable for its foul odor and early spring bloom.

Quick Facts

Type
herb
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Water Needs
very high
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Hardiness Zones
4-7

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, peaty, silty
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:groundcover, specimen, wildlife habitat

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Skunk Cabbage

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Skunk Cabbage
Skunk Cabbage detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Araceae
Genus:Symplocarpus