skunk cabbage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Botanical; Regional/Everyday in areas where it grows
Quick answer
What does “skunk cabbage” mean?
A low-growing, foul-smelling perennial plant of the arum family, found in wet habitats in North America and parts of Asia.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A low-growing, foul-smelling perennial plant of the arum family, found in wet habitats in North America and parts of Asia.
A common name for two distinct genera of plants (Symplocarpus and Lysichiton) known for their large leaves and distinctive, unpleasant odor, which is most noticeable when the plant is damaged.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties, but the plant is native to North America and East Asia. In British English, it is primarily a botanical or gardening term. In American English, especially in regions where it grows, it is more likely to be used in everyday conversation.
Connotations
Connotes a foul odor, wetlands, and early spring. In gardening contexts, it may be seen as an interesting native plant or a problematic, invasive species depending on the region.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in the northeastern and northwestern United States and Canada.
Grammar
How to Use “skunk cabbage” in a Sentence
The skunk cabbage grows [in wetlands].We saw skunk cabbage [while hiking].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botanical, ecological, and environmental science texts discussing wetland flora, plant adaptations, or invasive species.
Everyday
Used when discussing nature, hiking, gardening, or regional flora, typically in areas where the plant is common.
Technical
Used in precise botanical classification, horticulture, and land management guides.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skunk cabbage”
- Misspelling as 'skunk cabage' or 'skunk cabbag'.
- Confusing it with the unrelated 'skunkweed' or other foul-smelling plants.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally considered inedible and contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause burning and swelling of the mouth and throat.
No, it is not related to the common cabbage (Brassica oleracea). The name comes from the shape of its leaves, which can resemble those of cabbage plants.
It grows in wetlands, swamps, and along streams in temperate regions of North America (eastern and western) and parts of Asia (e.g., Japan, northeastern China).
The foul odour, which resembles rotting meat or a skunk's spray, attracts its primary pollinators, such as flies and beetles, which are drawn to decaying matter.
A low-growing, foul-smelling perennial plant of the arum family, found in wet habitats in North America and parts of Asia.
Skunk cabbage is usually technical/botanical; regional/everyday in areas where it grows in register.
Skunk cabbage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskʌŋk ˌkæb.ɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskʌŋk ˌkæb.ɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SKUNK hiding under a large CABBAGE leaf in a swamp—the smell gives it away!
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURAL PHENOMENON AS AN ANIMAL (the plant's odor is metaphorically linked to a skunk).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason skunk cabbage is named as such?