Lysichiton americanus
Yellow skunk-cabbage, Yellow Skunk-Cabbage
(c) Rand Workman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Rand Workman · licence
Family: Araceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lysichiton americanus (Yellow skunk-cabbage) is a native California herb in the Araceae family, recognized by Northern range edge; only arum family representative in California, adapted to cool temperate wetlands.
Yellow skunk-cabbage is a California native perennial found in northern coastal and central coastal bioregions in marshy areas and stream edges within conifer forests at elevations below 1,300 meters. Flowering from March to June, this distinctive plant produces yellow-green, ill-smelling flowers surrounded by a large yellow bract that can reach up to 20 centimeters long. Growing with massive fleshy leaves 30 to 150 centimeters long, it develops a thick central midvein that gradually blends into its sturdy petiole. Its broad leaves emerge in spring after flowering, creating a dramatic presence in wet forest understories with their substantial size and distinctive form. The plant produces green-white fruits that develop after its memorable flowering period.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Northern range edge; only arum family representative in California, adapted to cool temperate wetlands
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Marshy areas, stream edges, generally in conifer forest
Elevation: < 1300 m
California counties: Mendocino, Del Norte, Humboldt, San Mateo, Siskiyou, Santa Cruz, Trinity
Outside California: to Alaska, Montana, naturalized in Europe
Bloom period
Lysichiton americanus blooms Mar-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Symplocarpus: Lysichiton has a bright yellow hood; Symplocarpus has a mottled purple-brown hood held at ground level.; vs Veratrum: Lysichiton has a yellow hood around a spike; Veratrum has branched stems with many small flowers.; vs Rumex: Lysichiton has huge paddle leaves and yellow hood; Rumex has narrow leaves and tiny green/brown flowers.; vs Zantedeschia: Lysichiton has a bright yellow hood; Zantedeschia has a pure white hood.; vs Arum: Lysichiton has a bright yellow hood; Arum has a pale yellow-green or white hood.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lysichiton americanus native to California?
Yes. Lysichiton americanus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lysichiton americanus bloom?
Lysichiton americanus blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Lysichiton americanus grow?
Lysichiton americanus occurs in Mendocino, Del Norte, Humboldt, San Mateo, Siskiyou, Santa Cruz, Trinity, at elevations of < 1300 m.
What plant family does Lysichiton americanus belong to?
Lysichiton americanus is in the Araceae family, genus Lysichiton.
What habitat does Lysichiton americanus grow in?
Lysichiton americanus grows in Uncommon. Marshy areas, stream edges, generally in conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.