Arctic sweet coltsfoot

Petasites vitifolius

Physical Characteristics

Petasites vitifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.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

N. America - southwards from Canada.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Salt The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute[105]. 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

None known

Known Hazards

None known