A primary characteristic of skunk cabbage are the large and rather rough leaves which grow from the base of the plant. The plant is very scattered and grows in only a few areas of my home province of Nova Scotia, Canada. The root was usually gathered in late spring or early summer before the plant rots away.

It is certainly one of the most interesting plants in all of Micmac materia medica. The root of the plant was used to treat diabetes. A small piece of root was steeped to a cup of water, and a tablespoon of the medicine taken three times daily. The root applied to gums is said to ease or cure toothache.