Genus: Lysichiton from Greek words meaning 'loose' and 'tunic'
Species: americanus means 'American'
aka Swamp Lantern, American Skunk Cabbage, Yellow Arum, Lysichitum americanum. This large swamp plant is tropical in appearance with its fleshy oval leaves forming huge fans, up to 5' long (150 cm). The yellow hood, called a spathe, pushes through early in the spring. A fleshy stalk about 4 - 8" is revealed with tiny greenish yellow flowers. It does not smell like a skunk but its ordor may be objectionalbe in a closed environment, but not in the open. Common in low swampy areas below 3,500' elevation. (ref. Clark, Strickler)
Trail Notes:
Trail/Hike: Carbon River Rain Forest
Date: May 9, 2008
Location: nature loop trail at the Carbon River entrance (photo)
