It is not particularly widespread, and to date there are few sightings of American Skunk Cabbage in Yorkshire. If you see this plant, please report it promptly so it can be quickly removed and prevented from spreading.

American Skunk Cabbage resembles our native ‘lords and ladies’ though is much larger.

It grows up from a series of rhizomes – thick root systems below the ground, reaching heights of 1.5 metres though is generally shorter than this.

The bright green, glossy thick and leathery leaves are up to 1 metre long and 30-80 cm wide, and grow outwards from a central rosette. As young leaves grow out from the centre, they uncurl along the vertical. The petal (actually a spathe) is large and bright yellow in colour. This can be longer than 30 cm. Each one grows from single stalk, and has a pointed tip.

The plant flowers in spring from late March to May, A spike within the yellow petal contains green flowers. These develop into green berries ripening in July and early August.

American Skunk Cabbage grows in wet areas like swamps, bogs, pond margins and wet woodland.

Aside from the unusual look and smell of the plant, there are no serious ecological or economic impacts.

However where there is a group of American Skunk Cabbage plants growing in a small area, they may shade out and compete with native plants.