Skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum)

Gitxsan name: hinak
Wet'suwet'en name: c'it'an co

Botanical Description

• perennial herb 30-150 cm tall, from fleshy, upright underground stem
• entire plant has skunky odor
• simple, huge, long lance-shaped leaves
• greenish yellow spike of flowers on thick, fleshy axis surrounded by a bright yellow large bract
• found in very wet, swampy areas
• low to medium elevations

Photo courtesy of Frank Boas (43kB)

Ethnobotanical Description

This plant was referred to as "Indian wax paper" because the large shiny leaves were used like wax paper to line food-steaming pits,to wrap food for storage and to line berry racks.

The leaves can be eaten if boiled first, then boiled a second time in clean water, as this process removes most of skunky odor. The crystals of calcium oxalate found in the plant can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, but roasting the rootstocks destroys the crystals.

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This digital collection was produced under contract to the SchoolNet Digital Collection Program, Industry Canada.
Revised: 08/21/98