Skunk Cabbage
(Symplocarpus foetidus)
polecat weed, meadow cabbage, collard, swamp cabbage

Description: A strongly skunk-scented perennial. The large, tuberous rootstock produces fleshy roots and broad, heart-shaped cabbage like leaves on thick leafstalks. The numerous small, purple flowers grow on a small, oval, fleshy spike (spadix) covered by a purple and yellowish green, hoodlike bract (spathe) with a clublike organ within. Flowers appear before the leaves. Found in eastern and central U.S. and escaped throughout North America in rich, wet woods. It is one of the first spring wildflowers.

Medicinal, Toxic: It is a antispasmodic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, and slightly
narcotic. The rootstocks and roots, are used to treat respiratory ailments, hay fever, asthma, whooping cough, bronchial problems, and congestion. Also for nervous disorders, spasmodic problems, and arthritis. A wash is used to stop external bleeding. Take 1 cup tea a day, a tablespoon at a time. The fresh root is toxic.