Asian skunk cabbage
Lysichiton camtschatcensis, family Araceae
In its own language: ミズバショウ
A white-flowered wetland plant from northern Japan and the Russian Far East
Asian skunk cabbage is a robust perennial found in swamps and wet woods of northern Japan and the Russian Far East. It has large glossy leaves and a striking white spathe in early spring, sometimes fragrant, and is grown as a marginal aquatic plant in gardens.
- Native to northern Japan and the Russian Far East
- Produces large white spathes in early spring
- Scent varies from sweet to unpleasant or none
- Grown as a marginal aquatic plant in gardens
- Hybrid forms have even larger flowers
What does Asian skunk cabbage look like?
Asian skunk cabbage is a sturdy, leafy plant that grows up to 75 cm tall and wide. Its leaves are glossy, strongly veined, and can reach up to a metre long. In early spring, it sends up a pointed white spathe, up to 40 cm long, that wraps around a green central spike called a spadix. The scent of the flower varies: some plants are sweet, some have no smell, and others are unpleasant.
Where does Asian skunk cabbage come from?
This plant is native to wet places in northern Japan, the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Kuril Islands, and Sakhalin. It grows wild in swamps, wet woods, and along streams. The Japanese name, mizubashō, means 'water-banana' and refers to the shape of the flower, not its smell. It is not related to true cabbages. The plant has also been introduced to gardens in Great Britain and Ireland.
When and how Asian skunk cabbage blooms
Asian skunk cabbage blooms in early spring. It prefers very wet ground, such as the margins of ponds, streams, or swampy woods. Gardeners grow it as a marginal aquatic plant, often for its large white flowers. It is a perennial, returning each year from its roots. Hybrids with its American relative are also grown for their larger flowers.
How Asian skunk cabbage is used
In gardens, Asian skunk cabbage is valued for its early spring flowers and lush foliage. It is especially used in wet or boggy areas where few other plants thrive. The plant has received awards for garden merit in the UK. There is no mention of it being used for food, medicine, or in ceremonies.
Kinds of Asian skunk cabbage
The main variation is the hybrid Lysichiton × hortensis, bred from Asian skunk cabbage and its American cousin. This hybrid is grown for its even larger white spathes. The genus also includes the western skunk cabbage, which is native to North America and is known for its strong, unpleasant smell.
What Asian skunk cabbage means
In Japan, the plant’s name has poetic associations and does not refer to any bad smell. It is not closely related to true cabbages. The Asian skunk cabbage is sometimes confused with other 'skunk cabbages' from North America, but its scent is much more variable. It is grown mainly for ornamental purposes.
Questions people ask about Asian skunk cabbage
Where does Asian skunk cabbage come from?
It is native to wet areas in northern Japan, the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Kuril Islands, and Sakhalin. It grows naturally in swamps, wet woods, and along streams in these regions.
What does Asian skunk cabbage look like?
It is a robust plant with large, glossy leaves up to a metre long. In early spring, it produces a white, pointed spathe that wraps around a green spadix. The plant can grow up to 75 cm tall and wide.
Does Asian skunk cabbage smell bad?
The scent of Asian skunk cabbage is variable. Some plants are reported to have a sweet fragrance, others no smell at all, and some may have an unpleasant scent.
How is Asian skunk cabbage used?
It is mainly grown as a marginal aquatic plant in gardens, especially in wet or boggy areas. It is valued for its early spring flowers and large leaves.
Is Asian skunk cabbage related to true cabbage?
No, despite its name, it is not closely related to true cabbages. The name refers to the shape of its flower rather than any botanical relationship.
Good reading and sources
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
- Lysichiton camtschatcensis on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Lysichiton camtschatcensis", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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