Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot

(Petasites palmatus)

Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot (Petasites palmatus)

rappman

CC BY 4.0

Image By: rappman

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Petasites palmatus, commonly known as Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the wetland margins, streambanks, and moist forested areas of Northern North America, including Alaska, northern Canada, and parts of the northern contiguous United States. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-2 feet (0.15-0.6 meters) and can spread up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide. The plant features large, heart-shaped leaves and produces clusters of white to pale pink flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, which are modest in showiness but provide early-season interest.

Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, bog gardens, and along water features. It is also appreciated for its large, bold foliage which adds a lush, tropical look to garden settings. In cultivation, it prefers partial shade to full sun, consistent moisture, and can tolerate a range of soil types provided they are kept moist. It is important to note that while it can be a vigorous grower, it should be planted with care as it can spread aggressively via rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive in ideal conditions. Gardeners should consider containment strategies or choose less aggressive species if this is a concern.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.5-2 feet
Width: 1-3 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium, High
Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wetland margins, streambanks, and moist forested areas of Northern North America

Other Names

Common Names: Golden Palms Coltsfoot, Sweet Coltsfoot, Sweet Butterbur, Butterbur, Western Sweet-Coltsfoot, Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot, Western Sweet Coltsfoot, Arctic Sweet-Colt’s-Foot

Scientific Names: , Petasites palmatus, Petasites frigidus var. palmatus, Petasites frigidus subsp. palmatus, Nardosmia palmata, Petasites speciosus, Petasites frigidus subsp. arcticus, Petasites arcticus, Tussilago palmata, Nardosmia arctica

GBIF Accepted Name: Petasites frigidus var. palmatus (Aiton) Cronquist