The eastern skunk cabbage is the earliest spring ephemeral to bloom in southeastern PA. The aroid itself is capable of producing its own heat, melting its way up through the the ice and snow.
You are likely already familiar with many other aroids. Monstera and philodendron, both of which are popular houseplants, are both members of Araceae. So are calla lilies, which are commonly sold around Easter. There is an invasive Italian arum, which is extremely difficult to eradicate. The infamous titan arum, one of the so-called corpse flowers due to the odoriferous inflorescence, is an aroid. We have other native aroids aside from this one, the most popular likely being the jack-in-the-pulpit.
Arum flowers
The flowers themselves are vaguely reminiscent of others in the Arum family. They consist of a spathe (the outer part that you see), within which is hidden a spadix (the reproductive organs). I’ve seen some sources suggest that the spathe’s color is indicative of age, that younger ones are mottled green and turn more purple/red with age. I have no way of figuring out how old each of the plants are that grow wild here, so I can’t test this theory. The plants in the shop are only 1-2 year old seedlings, some of which still have the seed attached. It will still be a few years before they reach flowering size. Let me know what color they come up first when they do.
Skunky odor
The flowers of the skunk cabbage are somewhat unpleasant, but I don’t notice them unless it’s a warm day. Luckily, these bloom so early in winter, it’s really not an issue. Most of the time, you’d have to get your face pretty close to them and smell. On a warm day, you could probably detect their presence, since heat carries the odor. However, it may take you a while to really figure out what it is you’re smelling.
I find the smell to be the worst if I accidentally injure a plant. This is also unlikely to be an issue, because these obligate wetland plants grow in marshy soil. You’d be stuck in the mud just trying to reach them. They can grow in slightly drier soil, as I have noticed them moving “uphill” away from the vernal wetland. In fact, they survived just fine after last year’s drought, despite the fact that their habitat isn’t nearly as wet as it normally is. Either way, I wouldn’t plant this next to walkways or anywhere someone may accidentally break a leaf.
Appearance
The leaves do get to be quite large, rivaling the biggest hostas one might find on the market. You will not notice the leaves until after the flowers have finished blooming, at which point they begin to emerge. The leaves unfurl in a whorled pattern, which is stunning when viewed from above. From a distance, it’s their size and rapid growth that captures your attention. A wetland that a week or two prior appeared bare will be covered in ginormous, lush leaves. They almost seem out of place so early in the season. However, as a spring ephemeral, by summer they’ll be gone, only the pollinated spadices remain above the soil as they ripen.
Planting this arum is a commitment
Planting this is like planting a tree – you won’t have much luck moving it once established. When they’re young, they’ll be very close to the soil surface. However, with each passing year, they pull themselves deeper into the soil. In the area where I’ve been trying to restore a vernal pool, I’ve had to use a post hole digger to get them out. That being said, there are so many of them, I may opt to just leave them in place, if I can’t reach their taproot. I’m sure the native amphibians will appreciate the extra coverage.
Benefit to habitat
This flower is primarily pollinated by flies, including carrion flies and blow flies, as well as beetles. There are two insects known to host on this plant’s leaves, though not specialists. The mature leaves are mildly toxic in quantity, so not many animals are known to forage on this plant. However black bears and snapping turtles may eat the young shoots if that’s all that’s available when they emerge. Spiders have also been known to spin webs in the opening of the flowers so they can catch the flies that are drawn to the scent.
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