Skunk cabbage
Advice on identifying and dealing with skunk cabbage, in our guide.
Skunk cabbage or American skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) is a plant in the arum family, and looks similar to our native lords-and-ladies. Native to western North America, it bears a large yellow flower spathe up to 45cm in spring, followed by large leathery leaves up to 1.5m in length. It's typically found on pond margins, stream sides, bogs and wet woodlands. It gives off a powerful smell of rotting meat when in flower, which is to lure pollinating flesh flies.
In the UK skunk cabbage was added to the invasive plants list and banned from sale in 2016. This means it is banned from being planted in the wild, or otherwise caused to grow in the wild, which means gardeners must prevent any skunk cabbage growing in their garden escaping into the wild. Gardeners are also encouraged to dig up any skunk cabbage growing in their garden and dispose of it responsibly.
Why is skunk cabbage a problem?
American skunk cabbage was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant for growing in bog gardens and pond margins in 1901, but quickly spread, and was first recorded growing in the wild in Surrey in 1947. A versatile and robust plant, it can grow in shade or full sun in a range of different soil conditions, and has become a problem in and around British waterways, where it out-competes native plants and mosses, and can block waterways.
How to control skunk cabbage
The best way to remove skunk cabbage is to dig it out by hand, as using chemicals on or near waterways could have devastating consequences far beyond the plants you are removing. Depending on where the skunk cabbage is growing, you may need to wear wellies or a full waterproof suit and stand in the pond to access the plants. Ensure you remove all of the plant, both above and below the soil, as skunk cabbage can regenerate from tiny pieces of rhizome.
Skunk cabbage seeds can remain viable for several years, so it can take a long time to fully eradicate the plant once it has escaped into the wild. However, it doesn't bear flowers or seeds until its third year, so can be relatively straightforward to remove young plants once the initial hard work of removing mature plants is complete.
If you need to wait to remove the whole plant, for example to avoid disturbing tadpoles, you can cut the flower spike down before it sets seed. However, bear in mind that it can still spread via rhizomes so will need digging out eventually.
Disposing of skunk cabbage roots
All skunk cabbage plant material must be burned or disposed of in a secure composting system. If you want to take it to your local waste facility, it must have a licence issued by Natural England or Natural Resources Wales, or a permit issued by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Frequently asked questions
Is skunk cabbage useful for anything?
In its native land, skunk cabbage is useful for wildlife. Traditionally, native Americans used skunk cabbage as a treatment for epilepsy, rheumatism, intestinal worms and gynecological problems. Some used it occasionally for eating as long as it was cooked thoroughly first.
Why do they call it skunk cabbage?
Skunk cabbage is pollinated by flesh flies so, to attract them, skunk cabbage emits a smell when in flower that resembles rotting meat.
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