Lysichiton americanum
This plant has bright yellow spathes that appear in spring, and so had its place in literature as "the lantern in the woods". The other leaves, which generally do not unroll completely until the spathes are full blown, may reach a length of more than 30 inches.

The odor of the plant does resemble that of a skunk, though not as offensive. The flower draws flies for pollination. The spathes are picked apart by squirrels who eat the berry-like, pulpy fruits, and scatter the pieces on logs and along trails.

Bear and elk found skunk cabbage a good source of food, as did many tribes and explorers. They cooked and ate the fleshy root. Layers of leaves were commonly used for covering foods for roasting.