American Skunkcabbage
Lysichiton americanus
- Native to:
- Aleutian Is., Canada, United States
Provincial Archives of Alberta (www.flickr.com)







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