top of page

<<< Back

Alisma subcordatum

American Water Plantain

Cultivating Alisma subcordatum for Natural Water Features

● Features a robust hood-like spathe and a skunk-like odor, creating a striking display in wetland settings. 

● Flourishes in consistently moist to submerged soils, showcasing adaptability and resilience. 

● Offers both ornamental value and habitat support, contributing to the beauty and biodiversity of water ecosystems.


Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as Skunk Cabbage, is a wetland perennial celebrated for its bold, hood-like spathe and distinctive skunk-like odor. This robust plant enhances the allure of ponds, marshes, and wetland edges, adding a touch of boldness and ecological value.

Plant Care


● Sunlight: Adapts well to partial shade, thriving in the filtered light conditions of wetland landscapes. 

● Soil: Plant in well-drained, organically rich soil or directly in submerged conditions, ensuring proper anchoring. 

● Watering: Maintain consistently moist to submerged soil conditions to support vigorous growth. 

● Spacing: Plant Skunk Cabbage with a spacing of about 12-18 inches to allow for its spreading growth habit. 

● Fertilizing: Minimal fertilization is necessary; Skunk Cabbage generally thrives without heavy nutrient inputs.



Effective care is fundamental for the healthy growth and wetland boldness of Skunk Cabbage.

Planting and Propagation


Planting Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as Skunk Cabbage, introduces a unique and ecologically important perennial to your garden, especially suited to wet, marshy areas. Known for its early spring growth and distinctive, foul-smelling flowers that can melt through snow, Skunk Cabbage is a fascinating addition to any wetland or bog garden. The plant produces large, hood-like flowers (spathe) enclosing a knob-like structure (spadix) in early spring, followed by broad, lush green leaves. Here’s how to plant and care for Symplocarpus foetidus, enriching your garden’s biodiversity and providing early forage for pollinators.



When to Plant


  • Best Time: Late fall or early spring are ideal times to plant Skunk Cabbage, taking advantage of the wet soil conditions and cooler temperatures for easier establishment.

  • Zone Considerations: Hardy in USDA zones 4-7, Skunk Cabbage thrives in cold to temperate climates and prefers consistently wet, boggy conditions.


Selecting a Site

  • Sunlight: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full shade. It typically grows under the cover of deciduous trees, where it can benefit from increased light before the trees leaf out fully in spring.

  • Soil: Thrives in wet, muddy, and poorly drained soils rich in organic matter. It is particularly suited for areas that are consistently saturated.


Planting Steps


  • Soil Preparation: Ensure the planting area is well-prepared with plenty of organic material to retain moisture. Skunk Cabbage naturally grows in wetlands and bogs, so the site should mimic these conditions.

  • Spacing: Space plants about 2 to 3 feet apart. While Skunk Cabbage does not typically spread widely via rhizomes, the leaves grow large and can cover a substantial area.

  • Planting Depth: Plant so that the rhizomes are just below the surface of the soil, ensuring that any emerging shoots are not too deeply buried.


Ongoing Care


  • Watering: Maintain consistently wet soil; Skunk Cabbage cannot tolerate dry conditions. It is best suited to naturally wet areas where additional watering is not necessary.

  • Fertilizing: Generally requires little to no fertilization. It thrives in rich, organic soils where it can obtain sufficient nutrients naturally.

  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and appearance.


Propagation


  • Division: Propagate by dividing the rhizomes in the fall, after the leaves have died back. This helps to manage the spread of the plant and to propagate new plants for other areas.

  • Seed: Skunk Cabbage can also be propagated by seeds, though this method is less common in garden settings due to the slow and specific germination requirements.


Environmental Benefits


  • Ecological Role: Provides early spring nectar for pollinators when few other food sources are available. It also plays a role in wetland ecosystems by helping to maintain water quality and providing habitat.


Planting Symplocarpus foetidus adds not only a botanical curiosity to your garden with its unique flowering mechanism and growth habit but also contributes to the ecological diversity of wetland and bog garden settings. Its ability to thrive in saturated, low-light conditions makes it invaluable for difficult garden spots where other plants might not flourish.

Pest and Disease Management


  • Pests: Generally pest-resistant due to its foul smell which naturally repels many animals and insects.

  • Diseases: Watch for signs of fungal infections in overly saturated conditions without good water flow. Ensure the site does not become stagnant.

Feeding and Fertilizing


  • Initial Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the plant begins to show new growth. A 10-10-10 NPK ratio is generally suitable for providing the essential nutrients for initial growth and development of Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as Skunk Cabbage.

  • Soil Preparation: Before planting or at the beginning of the growing season, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility and enhance moisture retention. Skunk Cabbage thrives in wet, boggy conditions, so providing a rich, organic substrate is crucial.

  • Supplemental Feeding: If grown in less fertile soils, consider a mid-season application of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote robust growth and maintain the plant’s health throughout the growing season.

  • Avoid Over-Fertilization: Be cautious with the amount of fertilizer used, as excessive nutrients can lead to lush but weak growth, which may be more susceptible to diseases or poor structural integrity. Additionally, over-fertilization can disturb the natural balance of wetland areas.

  • pH Preference: Symplocarpus foetidus prefers slightly acidic soil conditions (pH 5.0-6.5). Testing and adjusting the soil pH can help optimize nutrient uptake and enhance plant health.

  • Consistent Moisture: Skunk Cabbage requires consistently wet soil conditions to thrive. It is ideally suited for swampy areas, wet woods, or water garden edges where the soil remains saturated.

  • Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is particularly beneficial in the colder months to protect the roots and early spring shoots.


By properly managing feeding and environmental conditions, Symplocarpus foetidus can thrive and play its ecological roles in wetland environments. Known for its ability to generate heat and melt surrounding snow, Skunk Cabbage is a fascinating plant that adds unique interest and diversity to wetland and woodland settings. Its early blooming also provides essential early spring nectar sources for pollinators.

Seasonal Care



Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as skunk cabbage, is a perennial wetland plant native to North America. It is one of the first plants to emerge in the spring, often flowering while snow is still on the ground. Skunk cabbage is known for its distinctive, foul-smelling flowers that generate heat to melt surrounding snow, and its large, broad leaves that unfold later in the season. This plant thrives in wet, swampy areas, making it an interesting addition to water gardens or naturalized wetland settings.



Here's how to care for Symplocarpus foetidus:



Spring


  • Planting: Plant skunk cabbage in early spring. It prefers shaded or semi-shaded areas with organic, moist to wet soil. It is ideally suited to swampy areas, near streams, or in bog gardens.

  • Watering: Ensure the soil remains consistently wet. Skunk cabbage naturally grows in areas with standing water or very wet soil, so supplemental watering may be necessary during drier periods to mimic these conditions.


Summer


  • Maintenance: Skunk cabbage requires minimal maintenance once established. Its large leaves can dominate the space, so ensure it has enough room to spread without crowding out other plants.

  • Fertilizing: Generally, skunk cabbage does not require fertilization, especially if it's growing in rich, organic soil typical of its natural wetland environment.


Fall


  • Preparation for Winter: Skunk cabbage naturally dies back in the fall. You can remove any spent foliage to keep the area tidy, but otherwise, no special care is needed. The plant is very hardy and will re-emerge vigorously in the spring.

  • Monitoring Growth: Fall is a good time to check if the plant is spreading too much and to manage its growth by removing unwanted rhizomes.


Winter


  • Dormancy: Skunk cabbage goes dormant in winter. The roots survive under the frozen ground, and the plant will be among the first to re-emerge in the spring.


Year-Round Tips


  • Soil and Site: Prefers wet, boggy conditions in shaded areas. It's suitable for low-lying areas of the garden where water accumulates or the edges of natural ponds and streams.

  • Propagation: Skunk cabbage can be propagated by seed or by dividing the rhizomes, though it's rarely necessary as the plant is quite self-sufficient and spreads naturally in suitable conditions.

  • Companion Plants: Pair with other moisture-loving plants such as ferns, iris, and marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) to create a diverse wetland garden.


By following these care instructions, your Symplocarpus foetidus will thrive, adding an interesting and early-blooming element to your garden. While its smell when crushed or during flowering can be off-putting to some, it is a fascinating plant that supports early spring pollinators and adds unique character to wetland gardens.

Plant Uses


● Adds a touch of wetland boldness to ponds, marshes, and wetland edges with its robust hood-like spathe and unique odor. 

● Provides habitat and shelter for aquatic life, contributing to the biodiversity of wetland ecosystems. 

● Enhances the visual appeal of both formal and naturalistic wetland designs with its distinctive and spreading growth habit.


Symplocarpus foetidus serves both practical and aesthetic purposes in wetland landscapes.

Varieties and Cultivars



Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as skunk cabbage, is a perennial wetland plant native to North America, particularly found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada. It is well-known for its early spring growth, distinctive odor, and its ability to generate heat, allowing it to melt surrounding snow to emerge in late winter or early spring.



Characteristics of Symplocarpus foetidus:


  • Appearance: Skunk cabbage features large, waxy, and coarse green leaves that can grow up to 1-2 feet wide and form a rosette around the central flowering spike. The plant is most recognizable by its unique flower structure, a spadix covered by a hood-like spathe, which can vary in color from maroon to greenish-yellow.

  • Growth Habit: This plant grows from a rhizome that is deeply buried in the wet, organic-rich mud of its habitat. It spreads slowly to form dense colonies.

  • Flowering Period: One of the earliest plants to bloom in spring, the flowers emerge before the leaves and are capable of thermogenesis, which means they can generate heat to melt through snow.


Growing Conditions and Habitat Preferences:


  • Light: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full shade; typically found under the canopy of deciduous forests.

  • Soil: Thrives in wet, mucky, organic-rich soils. It is commonly found in swampy areas, wet woodlands, and near streams.

  • Water: Requires saturated soil conditions, often growing in areas with standing water during the early part of the growing season.


Ecological Benefits and Uses:


  • Wildlife Attraction: The flowers produce a strong scent that attracts pollinators such as flies and bees early in the season when few other pollen sources are available.

  • Habitat: Provides cover and food for various wildlife, especially in early spring. The large leaves create a dense canopy over the moist ground, helping to maintain the wetland habitat.

  • Ecological Indicator: Skunk cabbage is an indicator species for wetlands and plays a crucial role in the ecology of these environments.


Care and Maintenance:


  • Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance once established in a suitable environment. Being adapted to undisturbed wetland habitats, it does not typically need any intervention.

  • Management: Rarely needs to be controlled as it does not aggressively invade areas outside its natural wetland settings.


Considerations:


  • Odor: When the leaves are crushed or broken, they emit a strong odor reminiscent of skunk, which is a defense mechanism against herbivory.


Symplocarpus foetidus is a fascinating plant due to its early flowering, ability to produce heat, and distinctive ecological adaptations. While it may not be the first choice for conventional garden settings due to its odor and habitat requirements, it is a valuable species for natural wetland gardens and restoration projects where its unique characteristics can be appreciated and its ecological benefits fully realized.

Growing Tips and Tricks


● Monitor water levels, adjusting as needed to maintain optimal conditions for growth. 

● Plant companion wetland-loving species to create a harmonious and visually appealing wetland garden. 

● Embrace the spreading growth habit of Skunk Cabbage while managing potential overgrowth to maintain its wetland boldness.


Additional tips ensure a thriving wetland environment with Skunk Cabbage.

Troubleshooting Common Problems


● Yellowing leaves may indicate nutrient deficiencies or poor water quality; address these issues promptly. 

● Regularly remove debris and decaying plant material to prevent potential pest habitats and maintain a pristine appearance in wetland areas. 

● Ensure proper spacing to prevent overcrowding and allow for optimal water circulation, reducing the risk of fungal issues.


Proactive troubleshooting can maintain the health and wetland boldness of Skunk Cabbage.

Read our blogs for more gardening tips!

bottom of page