Yellow Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)

Family: Araceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Lysichiton americanus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tasteless mush. — Young shoots - these must be thoroughly cooked otherwise they are poisonous.; The native North American Indian tribes would cook them in several changes of water, the end result being a tasteless mush.; The leaves can be dried then powdered and used as a thickening agent.; Older leaves have been used to wrap up food that was being baked.

Habitat & North American Range

Open swamps and wet woods near the coast, rarely flowering if in the shade. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)