Lookalike guide
American skunk cabbage vs Marsh marigold
Yellow flowers in wet ground in spring — but very different in size.
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris): Native wetland flower.
| Feature | American skunk cabbage | Marsh marigold |
|---|---|---|
| Flower | Large yellow hood (spathe) around a spike | Glossy buttercup-like flowers |
| Leaves | Huge, up to 1 m+ | Small, kidney-shaped |
| Smell | Musky, skunk-like | None |
Quick test
Giant leaves and a hooded yellow flower mean skunk cabbage.