American Skunkcabbage

Lysichiton americanus

Native to:
Aleutian Is., Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Araceae
Genus:
Lysichiton
Species:
Lysichiton americanus
USDA Symbol:
LYAM3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bears, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, organic, waterlogged soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Commonly found in wetland areas like swamps and marshes.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Seeds must be kept moist and not allowed to dry out. Germination is slow and erratic, best sown fresh in wet conditions.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Notes: Seeds require cold-moist stratification for 30 days before germination.

Source: Claude AI