Also known as Japanese Skunk Cabbage
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Asian Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius) is a striking wetland plant with large, heart-shaped leaves and a unique, early-blooming spathe that emits a foul odor.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
25% intensity
Thrives in partial shade to full shade. Protect from intense direct sunlight.
Consistent Moisture
100% intensity
Prefers consistently wet or boggy soil. Never allow the soil to dry out.
Rich, moist, organic, acidic to neutral
50% intensity
Moderate to Cool
50% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures. Tolerates some frost but needs protection from extreme heat.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization. Use a balanced organic fertilizer sparingly in spring.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains calcium oxalate crystals, causing irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Asian Skunk Cabbage thrives in consistently moist, boggy conditions. Water frequently, especially during warmer months, ensuring the soil never dries out. Aim for saturated soil, mimicking its natural swampy habitat.
Reduce watering slightly in winter but maintain dampness.
Pruning is generally not necessary for Symplocarpus renifolius. Remove any dead or damaged leaves at the base of the plant as needed to maintain tidiness.
Focus on providing ideal growing conditions rather than extensive pruning.
Propagation is primarily done through division of established clumps in early spring or fall. Alternatively, fresh seeds can be sown in moist, cool conditions.
Germination can be slow and irregular, often taking several months.
Repotting is rarely needed as Symplocarpus renifolius prefers undisturbed conditions. If necessary, repot in early spring or fall when the plant is dormant, moving it to a larger container or dividing the rhizome.
Ensure the new location offers ample moisture.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Asian Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius)
Where Asian Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Symplocarpus |
| Species | Symplocarpus renifolius |
Similar in genus Symplocarpus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
