Lysichiton americanus

Lysichiton americanus, commonly known as western skunk cabbage, is a unique perennial herb native to North American wetlands. Renowned for its ability to generate heat through thermogenesis, it emerges early in spring. While visually striking, its pungent odor and chemical composition necessitate cautious handling and careful medicinal consideration.

  • Scientific name: Lysichiton americanus
  • Family: Araceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Alismatales and family Araceae, it is classified under the genus Lysichiton.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Alismatales WCVP
Family Araceae WCVP
Genus Lysichiton WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its range extends to the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. The species is also documented within the territories of Norway. Together, these locations highlight the specific northern habitats where the plant thrives.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Netherlands WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP

Activities

Lysichiton americanus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆