Tag: Skunk cabbage

Despite acting as a laxative for bears emerging from hibernation, skunk cabbage is highly toxic and unsafe for human consumption, containing needle-like calcium oxalate crystals throughout its structure. Ingesting it can cause severe, immediate symptoms and even be fatal.

While the root of eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) was historically noted to have a "slightly narcotic" effect by herbalists, this classification is misleading and dangerous. The plant is primarily known for its toxicity, caused by needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe pain and irritation.