Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)

Family: Araceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Symplocarpus foetidus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to April, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - cooked. The root must be thoroughly dried or cooked before being eaten, see notes above on toxicity. Traditionally the root was dried for at least 5 weeks or boiled for 3 days before being eaten. Young leaves - cooked. — The root must be thoroughly dried or cooked before being eaten, see notes above on toxicity.; Traditionally the root was dried for at least 5 weeks or boiled for 3 days before being eaten.; Young leaves - cooked.; A peppery flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Marshes, bogs, swampy woods and by streams. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)