Search Level: Standard
Search Term(s): Symplocarpus foetidus   (1 record found)

ARACEAE
Arum Family
Symplocarpus foetidus  (skunk cabbage)   
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Synonym
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Carex Section
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Meaning of Scientific Name
Symplocarpus: from the Greek symploke (combination) and karpos (fruit), referring to the way the ovaries grow together to form fruit; foetidus: stinking
Native Plant
Yes
Life Form
Perennial Herb
Phenology (Flowering Period)
February-March
Physiographic Province
☑ Piedmont
☑ Coastal Plain

County Distribution
☑ New Castle
☑ Kent
☑ Sussex

Habitat
Seepage swamps and stream banks
State Status
Common
Piedmont Status
Common
Coastal Plain Status
Common
Global Rank
--
Federal Status
--
Geographic Affinity
Northern
Species at Limit of Distribution
☐ Northern
☐ Southern

North American Distribution (Non-indigenous Species)
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Coefficient of Conservatism
8
Invasive
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Invasive Watchlist
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Global Origin (Non-native Species)
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Wildlife Values
Provides cover for seepage wetland associated invertebrates.
Medicinal Properties
Part used: Fresh or recent root, Seeds. Internally used as a tea or tincture in small doses for spasmodic coughs, asthma, whooping cough, and muscle pain in back, neck, or face. A highly diluted gargle is used for mouth and throat pain. Topically used us a poultice for rheumatic pain. Large doses can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and irritation of mouth and throat.
ID Notes
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Additional Info
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Habitats in which this plant occurs
Atlantic White Cedar Non-tidal Wetlands (Swamp)
Black Ash Seepage Swamp
Forest Interior (Non-tidal Wetland Piedmont)
Forest Interior (Non-tidal Wetland Coastal Plain)
Forested Floodplains and Riparian Swamps (Piedmont)
Forested Floodplains and Riparian Swamps (Coastal Plain)
Isolated Non-tidal Forested Wetlands (Piedmont)
Isolated Non-tidal Forested Wetlands (Coastal Plain)
Seepage Slope Closed Canopy Non-tidal Wetland (Piedmont)
Seepage Slope Closed Canopy Non-tidal Wetland (Coastal Plain)
Seepage Slope Open Canopy Non-tidal Wetland (Piedmont)
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