Overview

Lysichitum camtschatcense is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Lysichitum, part of the Araceae family. Lysichitum camtschatcense grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include bog gardens, water margins and shade gardens. It is native to Kamchatka Peninsula, Kuril Islands, Sakhalin and northern Japan.

About

Lysichiton camtschatcense is a perennial herbaceous member of the Araceae from the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin and northern Japan. It is notable for an unpleasant, skunk-like odour produced by its flowers. Plants suit peaty, wet or swampy ground in partial shade or shade and prefer a sheltered aspect. The species is hardy to H5 and contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate skin or mucous membranes if handled or ingested.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lysichiton camtschatcensis

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 camtschatcense is a perennial herb from north-eastern Asia in the Araceae family, indigenous to the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin and northern Japan. Gardeners value it where permanently wet ground is difficult to plant with conventional borders. Its most obvious trait is an unpleasant, skunk-like scent associated with flowering, so sit it where that will not be intrusive. Plant it into permanently damp, peaty or swampy soil of acidic to neutral pH; the species tolerates waterlogged and boggy conditions that few perennials will. It prefers partial shade or deeper shade and benefits from a sheltered exposure. Hardiness is H5, meaning it is considered hardy for typical UK gardens; choose a site protected from desiccating winds and avoid exposure on exposed banks. Use Asian skunk cabbage at pond margins, in bog beds or in shaded water features where the soil stays wet. Give it room to breathe from seating areas because of the strong floral odour, and take care when handling: the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and can cause irritation if ingested or if sap contacts skin or eyes. Where tolerated, its seasonal presence marks the wetter parts of a scheme clearly and reliably.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lysichitum

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

peaty, wet, swampy

Soil pH

acidic to neutral

Soil moisture

wet, boggy

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Lysichitum camtschatcense size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herbaceous

Suggested uses

bog gardens, water margins, shade gardens

Native to

Kamchatka Peninsula, Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, northern Japan

Fragrance

unpleasant skunk-like odor

Toxicity

contains calcium oxalate crystals, can cause irritation if ingested or handled

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lysichitum camtschatcense

Cultivation

Prefers consistently moist or wet soil; plant in partial shade; avoid dry conditions

Pruning

Remove dead foliage after flowering

Propagation

division, seed

Frequently asked questions