What does “skunk cabbage” (Dracontium foetidum) look like and what was it used for?
Mostly noticeable in March and April in almost every swampy or mucky place. They look like soft yellow sheaths when young and have a sickish smell when open. They have a large number of small greenish flowers. The leaves are the largest of any native plant. First Nations people used the large thick leaves to line steam cooking pits. The roots would be eaten in the Spring to prevent starvation. Black bears may eat all or part of the plants.
Mostly noticeable in March and April in almost every swampy or mucky place. They look like soft yellow sheaths when young and have a sickish smell when open. They have a large number of small greenish flowers. The leaves are the largest of any native plant. First Nations people used the large thick leaves to line steam cooking pits. The roots would be eaten in the Spring to prevent starvation. Black bears may eat all or part of the plants.
