American Skunk Cabbage Removal
By The EC Team

American Skunk Cabbage Removal

Smelly beast of the waterways American skunk cabbage

Skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) gets its name for the reason you’re more likely to smell it before you see it! It has a particular pungent aroma that, once experienced will not be forgotten.

In the UK this highly invasive species thrives in wet, boggy and woodland areas, because in its native land it’s most commonly found growing in bogs and swamps. Usually found growing along the edge of rivers or streams forming dense clumps that are easily visible.

Where to find it

The image above shows this plant’s perfect habitat. As the above image shows it loves wetlands, on this particular survey the rain was torrential, perfect for plant growth as it needs a good water supply.

What’s the problem with Skunk cabbage?

One aspect of this plant that causes issues is its size. Being a species with large leaves and voluminous yellow flower heads it can quickly take up a vast amount of space, forcing other native plants into dormancy or depletion by blocking out light.

Once established it can overtake and a monoculture that changes the ecology of the habitat. This creates massive change that, for other species, can be catastrophic for their survival.

One interesting fact is that pre-sale-ban warnings from nursery growers advised that slugs and snails do enjoy to feast upon on young Lysichiton americanus leaves. Unfortunately, though, gastropods are pretty much it when it comes to natural predators of the infamous skunk cabbage. Also the presence of oxalic acid (the the same poison that occurs in rhubarb leaves for instance), makes the leaves unpalatable to almost all other animals.

How serious is it?

Whilst not as invasive as Japanese knotweed or Giant hogweed, this plant is increasingly causing problems for British waterways. If left uncontrolled, the whole plant life chain can be impacted, with pollinators losing their homes, food sources and ability to thrive – or survive. UK species are increasingly facing extinction or becoming extinct, so it’s vital that we do everything we can to protect them, and controlling or getting rid of Skunk cabbage is one way to address this ongoing issue.

Waterways are also affected as the depletion of native species affects the aquatic life balance, threatening the survival of important species that contribute to the health of the water, especially oxygenating plants. Below we can see the emergence of new Skunk cabbage growth – by next season this will have overtaken all other plants around it.

Legal implications

Though the plant isn’t listed in Schedule 9 of the UK’s Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), it is amongst the 36 plants in the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species. This means that planting, or even keeping American skunk cabbage on your property, land or in a garden is banned and anyone who does has a responsibility to take ‘concerted action’ to contain it and prevent its spread.

What can be done?

Control or eradication of Skunk cabbage can be achieved by various methods depending on several factors including ecology considerations and land use. Often excavation is required so it’s best to get good advice when dealing with invasive aquatic species. You can do this by contacting us below.

 

0330 056 8880