Lysichiton camtschatcensis - White Skunk Cabbage, Pond Marginal Plant

Lysichiton camtschatcensis, known as white skunk cabbage, holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. In early spring, before the leaves, it carries fragrant, pure white spathes around a green spadix. Huge, glossy, oval leaves up to 90 cm long follow. This is the white-flowered Asian species, not the yellow American skunk cabbage, Lysichiton americanus, which is banned from sale in Great Britain.

White skunk cabbage at a glance

Botanical name	Lysichiton camtschatcensis
Common name	White skunk cabbage, Asian skunk cabbage
Plant type	Clump-forming perennial; dies back in autumn
Height and spread	About 50 cm–1 m tall; leaves up to 90 cm long
Flowers	Pure white, fragrant spathe around a green spadix, March to May
Position	Full sun or part shade; sheltered
Soil	Permanently wet, fertile, humus-rich soil
Pond depth	At or just below the water line
Hardiness	RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to	North-east Asia (not UK native)

Is it legal to sell and grow?

Yes. Lysichiton camtschatcensis is not on any GB restricted list. The yellow L. americanus is a listed invasive species and cannot be sold, and the hybrid between the two (L. × hortensis) is also treated as not saleable. Our plant is the white-flowered L. camtschatcensis: true plants have pure white spathes, and yellow or cream spathes point to L. americanus or the hybrid. Do not plant it in the wild: it has naturalised in places, and in Scotland it is an offence to plant any non-native plant in the wild.

Where to plant white skunk cabbage

Wet pond margins, at or just below the water line
Bog gardens and stream banks with rich soil
A sheltered, partly shaded spot

How to plant and care for it

Plant in spring or summer in permanently wet, humus-rich soil. It is slow to establish, so give it time and plenty of room for the leaves.

Is it poisonous?

Yes. The RHS says it is harmful if eaten, can irritate skin and eyes, and is harmful to pets. Wear gloves when handling it.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.