Polecatweed
Symplocarpus foetidus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Symplocarpus foetidus (Polecatweed) is a native wetland forb found across eastern North America from Maine to North Carolina and west to Minnesota. This early-blooming plant flowers from March through May in swampy areas.
Polecatweed is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Polecatweed as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CT, DE, IA, IL and 20 more states
Pollinators
flies, beetles
Polecatweed is a unique native wetland plant that produces distinctive hooded flowers in early spring before large cabbage-like leaves emerge. It requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and thrives in shaded areas near water features or low-lying spots. The plant gets its name from the strong odor it releases when bruised or damaged.
Growing Polecatweed
Grow Polecatweed in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Polecatweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Strong unpleasant odor when disturbed
- Very informal wetland appearance
- Requires swampy conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
Wildlife value
This plant attracts flies and beetles with its early spring blooms, providing nectar when few other flowers are available. The unusual flowering strategy makes it an important early-season pollinator resource.
Common questions
- When does Symplocarpus foetidus bloom?
- Polecatweed blooms from March through May, making it one of the earliest flowering plants in wetland areas.
- What pollinators visit Symplocarpus foetidus?
- Flies and beetles are the primary pollinators of Polecatweed, attracted to the plant's distinctive odor and early spring flowers.
- Where is Symplocarpus foetidus native?
- Polecatweed is native to eastern North America, found in states from Maine to North Carolina and westward to Minnesota, Iowa, and North Dakota.
- What growing conditions does Symplocarpus foetidus prefer?
- This wetland plant thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and partial to full shade, typically found in swamps, wet woods, and boggy areas.
- Is Polecatweed toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Polecatweed is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Polecatweed toxic to cats?
- Yes. Polecatweed is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Polecatweed toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Polecatweed as toxic to livestock.
- Is Polecatweed HOA-friendly?
- Polecatweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Polecatweed and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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