Skunk cabbage is a soft-stemmed plant found in low swamps in eastern and central North America. It is known for its heavy, skunklike odor. Skunk cabbage is called a perennial because its roots send up new stems each year. The roots are heavy and coarse. The small flowers grow in a thick spike, which is surrounded by a brown leaflike organ called a spathe. The spathe gives off an unpleasant odor. The leaves of the skunk cabbage are broad and 1 to 3 feet (30 to 91 centimeters) long. The leaves grow in tufts.
