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Western Skunk Cabbage
Lysichiton americanus
In the United States:
Native
· also called Yellow Skunk Cabbage, Swamp Lantern
Western skunk cabbage offers an early-season pollen source for honeybees in cool, wetland environments, despite being primarily pollinated by flies attracted to its fetid odor. Peak bloom aligns with March through April in temperate climates, providing foraging opportunities before many other plants flower. It forms dense stands in saturated soils and requires no staking but can be browsed by deer.
| Nectar | low |
|---|---|
| Pollen | medium |
| Bloom (US) | March–May |
| Duration | ~2 months |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | shade |