Polecatweed (Symplocarpus foetidus, Veg. Mater. Med. U.S. 1: 124 (1817))

Family: Araceae

Author: (L.) Salisb. ex W.P.C.Barton

Bibliography: Veg. Mater. Med. U.S. 1: 124 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Symplocarpus

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Polecatweed, known scientifically as Symplocarpus foetidus, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Araceae family. Documented in “Veg. Mater. Med. U.S. 1: 124” in 1817 and authored by (L.) Salisb. ex W.P.C.Barton, this unique plant has captured the interest of botanists due to its distinctive characteristics and regional prevalence.

Symplocarpus foetidus is primarily observed across the eastern regions of Canada and the United States, extending as far south as North Carolina. The plant thrives in these areas, often found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and moist woodland environments. Its preference for such habitats contributes to its common name, as the “foetidus” part of its scientific name suggests a distinct, often unpleasant odor reminiscent of a polecat or skunk. This smell, emanating from its leaves and stems when bruised, is a notable feature contributing to its common name, Polecatweed.

Polecatweed is a perennial plant that is particularly adept at enduring the cold climates of its northern habitats. One of its most remarkable characteristics is its ability to generate heat through a process called thermogenesis. This allows the plant to melt surrounding snow, a phenomenon that facilitates early growth and blooming even when the environment is still frozen. The broad, basal leaves and hood-like spathe, enclosing the spadix, are signature visual markers of Symplocarpus foetidus.

Despite the odor that attracts its pollinators, which include early-season flies and beetles, Polecatweed plays an essential role in its ecosystem. It provides an early food source and habitat for these insects, ensuring ecological continuity and supporting the local biodiversity.

The importance and unique attributes of Symplocarpus foetidus make it a subject of continuing study and admiration among botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether revered for its hardy nature or noted for its peculiar fragrance, Polecatweed remains a notable member of North America’s wetland flora.

Common Names

Eng: polecatweed, skunk cabbage, skunk-cabbage, eastern skunk cabbage
Deu: stinkkohl
Fra: chou puant, tabac-du-diable, symplocarpe chou-puant, symplocarpe fétide, tabac du diable
En: Polecatweed, Skunk cabbage, Skunk-cabbage, Eastern skunk cabbage
Fr: Chou puant, Tabac-du-diable, Symplocarpe chou-puant, Symplocarpe fétide, Tabac du diable
De: Stinkkohl

Synonyms

• Spathyema foetida ((L.) Raf.)
• Spathyema angusta (Raf.)
• Dracontium foetidum (L.)
• Ictodes foetidus ((L.) Bigelow)
• Spathyema latifolia (Raf.)
• Spathyema lanceolata (Raf.)
• Pothos foetidus ((L.) Aiton)
• Pothos putorii (Barton)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Perron Jérôme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by axel jones (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2020 by spuddy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2020 by viben (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Kat Champigny (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 5, 2022 by Mireille Bernardin (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2021 by Alyssa Pond (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2022 by Jason Sperry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2022 by Matthew Swanton (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2021 by Tim Sotman (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2870117)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1149384-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Symplocarpus foetidus (L.) Salisb. ex W.P.C.Barton)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.0