Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot (Petasites hyperboreus)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −28.9 °C

Cultivation

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. 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.

Propagation

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.

Edible uses

Young leaves - cooked. A felt-like texture. Young stalks and flower heads - cooked. The burnt leaves are used as a salt substitute.

Medicinal uses

Antispasmodic, poultice, salve. An infusion of the dried, stored leaves has been used in the treatment of colds, head and chest congestion.

Material uses

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.