Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot
Petasites hyperboreus
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Meadows, swampy places and moist woods.
North-western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - cooked. A felt-like texture. Young stalks and flower heads - cooked. The burnt leaves are used as a salt substitute. 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. A very acceptable condiment for piñole.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Salt: plants that provide a substitute for salt.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Antispasmodic, poultice, salve. An infusion of the dried, stored leaves has been used in the treatment of colds, head and chest congestion.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Other
Rating:
The cotton-like seed heads have been used as a stuffing material in mattresses etc. The leaves have been used to make temporary cone-shaped containers for picking fruit. The leaves have occasionally been used to form makeshift funnels.
Containers: Plants, such as gourds, that can be used as containers. Does not include baskets or containers made from wood.
Stuffing: Used in making soft toys, mattresses, pillows etc.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. According to one report this species is no more than a synonym of P. frigidus. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, but prefers a deep fertile humus-rich soil that is permanently moist but not stagnant, succeeding in shade, semi-shade or full sun. Prefers partial shade. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. A very invasive plant, too rampant for anything other than the wild garden. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe or in early spring. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division succeeds at almost any time of the year. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Meadow; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Petasites frigidus nivalis. (Greene.)Cronq.