Arrowleaf Sweet Coltsfoot

Petasites saggitatus

Physical Characteristics

Petasites saggitatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. It is in flower 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 - Labrador to Alaska, south to British Columbia and Colorado.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Stem Edible Uses: Salt Young flower stalks, used before the flower buds appear, are boiled until tender and seasoned with salt[172]. Young leaves - cooked[177]. A felt-like texture[172]. The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute[172]. 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 Poultice Salve Antispasmodic, poultice, salve[172]. A poultice of the leaves has been applied to itchy skin and also to worms that are eating the flesh[257].

Known Hazards

None known