Skunk Cabbage Taken at Balloch on 11th May 2021 using Nikon D500 with Sigma 600 mm zoom lens. Taken at Balloch on 2nd April 2016 using Nikon D5200 with Sigma 150-500 mm zoom lens. Skunk Cabbage. Species: Order: Family: AKA: Lysichiton americanus. Alismatales. Araceae. Western Skunk Cabbage, Yellow Skunk Cabbage. Habitat: Blooms: Height: Leaves: Feature: Likes marshy areas. Feb - April 30–40 cm tall. 50 - 135 cm long, 30 - 80 wide. It's roots are food for bears, who eat it after hibernating as a laxative or cathartic. The plant was used as medicine for burns and injuries, and for food in times of famine, when almost all parts were eaten. Caution should be used in attempts to prepare Western Skunk Cabbage for consumption as it can result in intestinal irritation and even death if consumed in large quantities.