Lysichitum Americanum

Plants Pacific Northwest

Yellow Arum

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Lysichiton Americanum:

Perennial plant from fleshy rootstock. The leaves are large and oblong, flowers are embedded in a fleshy spike (spadix), partially enclosed by a Yellow hood (Spathe).

This well known plant around wet, swampy places appears in late February or early March. Also known as "Skunk Cabbage" because of its pungent odour which is not unlike the mephitic spray of the skunk. Swamp Lantern.

The roots dried and ground into flour will make an emergency ration. "The taste is somewhat peppery," a charateristic which can be partially mitigated by keeping the flour a week or two before use. The Northamerican Indians roasted the whole roots in pits, the heat and moisture dissipating the objectionable odors to an extent. The young leaves, which when harvested as they first appear above ground in early Spring, make agreeable pot herb or "greens." Change water several times during the cooking process in order to take the taste and skunky odor away.