Overview
Lysichitum americanum is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Lysichitum, part of the Araceae family. Lysichitum americanum grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include bog gardens, wetland restoration and naturalizing in wet areas. It is native to Pacific Northwest of North America.
About the genus
Lysichiton is a genus in the family Araceae. These plants are known commonly as skunk cabbage or less often as swamp lantern.
In the garden
Lysichiton americanum sits in the Araceae family and is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. As a perennial herbaceous plant it is adapted to swamps, wet woods and stream margins; its most obvious characteristic is an unpleasant skunk-like fragrance. In the UK it is treated as a fully hardy (H7) bog species and will tolerate exposed winter conditions provided the planting spot is sheltered from drying winds. Select a shady or partially shaded position with consistently wet or moist soil: peaty, clay or loam substrates at acidic to neutral pH suit it best. Avoid free-draining, dry sites. The recommended exposure is sheltered, so position plants where they will not be baked by sun and wind; proximity to a pond edge, ditch or purpose-built bog bed is appropriate. Use Lysichiton americanum for bog gardens, wetland restoration or naturalising within permanently damp areas. Planting near paths or seating should be avoided because of the strong skunk-like scent and because all tissues are toxic if eaten (contain calcium oxalate crystals), so keep it away from places used by children or curious pets.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lysichitum
- Sunlight
- Partial shade, Shade
- Soil type
- Peaty, Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acidic, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Wet, Moist
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lysichitum americanum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Suggested uses
- Bog gardens, Wetland restoration, Naturalizing in wet areas
- Native to
- Pacific Northwest of North America
- Fragrance
- Unpleasant, Skunk-like
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested, contains calcium oxalate crystals
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lysichitum americanum
- Cultivation
- Prefers consistently moist or wet soil, tolerates shade, avoid dry conditions
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage in late winter or early spring
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lysichitum americanum?
Prefers consistently moist or wet soil, tolerates shade, avoid dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Lysichitum americanum?
Lysichitum americanum prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Lysichitum americanum need?
Lysichitum americanum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including peaty, clay and loam. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays wet to moist.
How do I prune Lysichitum americanum?
Remove dead foliage in late winter or early spring.
Is Lysichitum americanum hardy in the UK?
Lysichitum americanum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Lysichitum americanum?
Seed, Division.
Is Lysichitum americanum toxic?
Toxic if ingested, contains calcium oxalate crystals.
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