eastern skunk cabbage
A perennial plant native to eastern North America, known for its foul smell and early spring flowering. In Japanese, it is called ザゼンソウ because its dark purple spathe resembles a Zen meditation cushion (座禅).
The eastern skunk cabbage is a perennial plant that grows in wetlands.
When the eastern skunk cabbage blooms in early spring, it gives off a distinctive odor.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare; the plant is almost always written in kana.
The Japanese name ザゼンソウ (座禅草) literally means 'zazen grass', referring to the shape of its spathe, which resembles a monk seated in meditation. The plant is native to North America and was introduced to Japan, where it acquired this descriptive name.