Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot

Petasites hyperboreus

Physical Characteristics

Petasites hyperboreus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

North-western N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Meadow; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Stem Edible Uses: Salt Young leaves - cooked. A felt-like texture[172]. Young stalks and flower heads - cooked[172]. The burnt leaves are used as a salt substitute[172, 177]. The stems and leaves, whilst still green, are rolled up into balls, dried and then placed on top of a very small fire on a rock and burned[207]. A very acceptable condiment for piñole[207].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Pectoral Poultice Salve Antispasmodic, poultice, salve[172]. An infusion of the dried, stored leaves has been used in the treatment of colds, head and chest congestion[257].

Known Hazards

None known