Lysichiton americanus American Skunk-cabbage DD I
Also known as Western Skunk-cabbage, Swamp Lantern and Yellow Skunk-cabbage this north American introduced plant, as you might expect from the name, gives of a foul smell which attracts flies and beetles as pollinators. Virtually all of these introductions were originally planted and (to me anyway) don't seem to spread far but will increase in population given the right conditions.
The spadix is seen quite early (February) and then the leaves follow in Spring. The plant is about 1 to 1.5 m tall.
In spite of the fact that it has only escaped into the wild in reasonable numbers around London and the south of England, this has plant has been described as a threat as a possible invasive species. It is dotted throughout Wales, hardly known from the midlands but found here and there in northern England. In Scotland it is found near the places of greatest population near the central belt and near Inverness but hardly at all in the far north or the highlands. It is uncommon in Ireland.
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| Lysichiton americanus American Skunk-cabbage |
Lake in South Cumbria 10th May 2005
Added on 12th May 2005, updated 9th December 2010