Lysichiton americanus

Lysichiton americanus (Araceae) is a rhizomatous perennial native to western North America from coastal Alaska through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and into northern California, with isolated populations in northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. The rhizomes reach 30 cm or more in length. The waxy leaves are among the largest produced by any native plant in the region, measuring 30 to 150 cm (1 to 5 feet) long.

Western skunk cabbage inhabits swamps, wet woods, and stream margins, requiring consistently saturated or boggy soil. The bright yellow spathes appear in early spring before the leaves fully emerge, accompanied by a strong skunky odor that attracts pollinating beetles and flies. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation if ingested; large quantities can be toxic. Indigenous peoples used the leaves for food storage and wrapping, and prepared the roots medicinally. The species has become invasive in parts of northern Europe where it has escaped cultivation.