Sweet coltsfoot, Butterbur, Bog rhubarb
Petasites japonicus

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A shrub. It has runners. It grows 1-1.2 m high. The leaves are large. They are kidney shaped. They are 1-1.2 m across. The flowers are greenish-white and in crowded heads. They appear before the leaves.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It grows near ponds and streams. In Sichuan. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, China (country/location of origin), Europe, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Russia

How it is used for food

The long leaf stalk is peeled and pickled in Japan. They are seasoned with salt or soy sauce. They are used in soups. The flower buds are used as a vegetable and condiment. They are eaten while still green. Caution: It contains chemicals that cause cancer. The flower stalks can affect the liver.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, petiole, vegetable, flowers, caution

How it is grown

Plants are grown by division. They can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Fuhi, Fuki, Giant butterbur, Japanese butterbur, Korkoni, Meowi, Mowi

Synonyms

Nardosmia japonica Siebold & Zucc.; Petasites albus A. Gray; Tussilago petasites Thunb.; and others