Overview

Symplocarpus foetidus is a perennial herb in the genus Symplocarpus, part of the Araceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Symplocarpus foetidus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wetland gardens, naturalized areas and shade gardens. It is native to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.

About

Symplocarpus foetidus is a perennial herb in the Araceae notable for a skunk-like odour released when its leaves are bruised. It typically reaches about 0.5 m and prefers wet ground. Flowering occurs in February to March. The plant is toxic if ingested.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Symplocarpus foetidus

About the genus

Symplocarpus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to United States, Canada and eastern Asia. The genus is characterized by having large leaves and deep root systems with contractile roots used for changing the plant's level with the ground.

In the garden

Symplocarpus foetidus is a wetland perennial from eastern Canada, recorded from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec, and is a member of the Araceae. It grows to roughly 0.5 m and is chiefly notable for the skunk-like smell given off when leaves are damaged. Plant it where the soil remains moist or wet: this species tolerates sandy, loamy and clay substrates provided they do not dry out. It is listed for full sun and will also appear in naturalised or shaded wet corners in gardens; hardiness H7 indicates it is fully hardy in UK climates (roughly USDA zones 4–8). Position with enough space for its leaves and for seasonal waterlogging. Use Symplocarpus foetidus in wetland gardens, along pond margins or in naturalised planting schemes where moisture is retained. Handle with care: bruised foliage produces a strong odour and the plant is toxic if eaten. Expect flowers in February to March, when the plant is usually visible rising from wet ground.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Symplocarpus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Wet

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Symplocarpus foetidus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial herb

Height

0.5 m

Suggested uses

Wetland gardens, naturalized areas, shade gardens

Native to

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec

Fragrance

Skunk-like odor when leaves are bruised

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Symplocarpus foetidus

Cultivation

Prefers consistently moist, rich soils; tolerates cold temperatures; avoid dry conditions

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged leaves in early spring

Propagation

By seed or division

Frequently asked questions