Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is a distinctive plant emerging in late winter or early spring, often pushing through snow. This perennial, a member of the Arum family (Araceae), is native to eastern North America, thriving in moist habitats like wetlands and stream banks. Its unique appearance includes a mottled maroon, hood-like spathe enclosing a knob-like spadix with tiny flowers. As spring progresses, large, bright green leaves unfurl, sometimes reaching three feet, giving the plant its common name.
Deer and Skunk Cabbage
Deer generally avoid skunk cabbage as a primary food source. While young plants or parts might be consumed in early spring, it is not a preferred or consistent part of their diet. The plant is considered deer-resistant due to its unpalatable characteristics. Deer typically seek out more nutrient-rich and palatable options, which skunk cabbage is not.
Why Deer Avoid Skunk Cabbage
Deer avoid skunk cabbage primarily due to its chemical composition and strong odor. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are microscopic, needle-shaped. When ingested, these crystals cause a burning and irritating sensation in the mouth and throat. This physical irritation deters most animals.
Beyond this irritation, skunk cabbage emits a strong, pungent odor, especially when its leaves are bruised or the plant warms. This “skunky” smell often resembles rotting meat or carrion. While it attracts specific pollinators like flies and carrion beetles, the odor is generally repulsive to larger animals, including deer, making the plant unappealing for consumption.
Skunk Cabbage in Landscapes
The deer-resistant nature of skunk cabbage makes it suitable for specific landscape applications. It thrives in wet, marshy areas where many other plants struggle, offering an option for naturalizing sites without concern for deer browsing. Its early emergence provides visual interest when other vegetation is dormant. The plant’s deep root system contributes to soil stability in damp environments, aiding erosion control.
While skunk cabbage is deer-resistant, it does not act as a general deer repellent for other garden plants. Deer may still browse other desirable plants nearby. Therefore, integrating skunk cabbage into a landscape primarily benefits areas where its unique characteristics and tolerance for wet conditions are desired, rather than as a broad solution for deer management.