Lysichiton americanus is our native 'Skunk Cabbage'. The plant is native from the San Francisco Bay Area northward into Alaska and east to parts of Montana. Always found in wet/damp areas, this early emerger is a sign that spring is on its way. The previous curator began to plant some in the garden and we have added to the collection. These plants are slow to establish and will get larger and more dramatic as the decade continues. Be careful, if planted in a garden setting, to not step on the crown of the plant. This is easy to do while doing winter cleanup. Also, keep an eye out for slugs.