Species butterbur
clusters of small, feathery, white flowers with creamy-green, sepals, and smooth, creamy-green leaves

butterbur

Petasites japonicus

Butterbur (Petasites japonicus) is a perennial, herbaceous plant native to Asia, Europe and North America. It has a single, fleshy, round leaves with a wide, basal stalk. The leaves are deep green in the spring and summer and turn yellowish-brown in the autumn. It is grown for its large heart-shaped flower heads that bloom in March and April, and for its edible young leaves and petioles, which can be used to make medicinal teas. Butterbur can grow in a range of soils and prefers moist shaded habitats. Its rapid growth rate and wide spread root system make it a useful plant for wetlands and streambank stabilization. It can also be grown in a number of soils and habitats, making it a popular option for landscaping in many areas.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Yellowish-white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Soil:

Bog

Fruits:

purple,black Fruits In Spring Ready In Spring

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Butterbur (Petasites japonicus) grows best in moist soil and can tolerate wet conditions, so it's important that the soil consistency stays consistent. During the growing season, it's best to water the plants regularly. They need about 1 inch of water each week, and it should be applied evenly to keep the soil moist. It's important to water deeply so the water is reaching the roots. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot or other issues. In the early summer it's best to water the butterbur plants twice a week, and in the late summer they may only need 1 watering. In the winter, they will need very little water, and any moisture can come from natural sources, such as rain or melting snow.

sunlight

Butterbur (Petasites japonicus) is a perennial plant that thrives in moist, partially shaded environments, such as damp woods and meadows. For optimal growth, it requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day and benefits from having its leaves and stems exposed to the sun. If it does not receive enough sunlight, the plant may struggle to grow and flower. In addition, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, so it's important to ensure that some shade is present. If planted in areas that receive full sun, the plant should receive some light shade during the hottest parts of the day.

pruning

Butterbur (Petasites japonicus) is best pruned from late winter to early spring, right before any new growth appears. It is important to remove any dead, dying or diseased branches from the plant in order to keep it looking neat and to improve air circulation, which will help reduce the likelihood of disease. For the most bloom and foliage, prune away about 1-third of the plant each year. This will help to keep the plant looking compact and bushy and will minimize the need for more drastic pruning. It is also advised to cut back any downward-growing branches, taking care to not over prune the overall shape of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Petasites japonicus typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Petasites japonicus typically begins in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Petasites japonicus typically begins in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map