The species name, foetidus, is a Latin specific name which refers to the plant's fetid odor. The leaves are large, broadly ovate, often a foot across, with petioles slightly grooved. Thoreau observed that almost as soon as the leaves wither and die in the fall, new buds begin pushing upward. Insects benefit from the early blossoms. In March, when the weather gets warm enough to awaken them, bees must look far and wide for food.
Skunk cabbages are out in force, providing plenty of pollen until early tree flowers appear.
Following the flowers, the leaves, which by midsummer have formed huge clusters up to several feet wide, are natural umbrellas providing shelter for various creatures, including birds, frogs, and lizards. The yellowthroat, a variety of warbler, sometimes builds its nest in the hollow of a skunk cabbage, using the foul odor to mask the bird's scent and to discourage investigation by four-footed predators. Because it is widespread and eyecatching, it has gained a variety of folk names, including skunkweed, polecat weed, meadow cabbage, fetid hellebore, rockweed, swamp cabbage, Midas ears, parson in a pillory, clumpfoot cabbage, polkweed, and collard. The showy clusters of leaves are decorative additions to wet areas. The plants, once established, are long-lasting.