Arrowleaf Sweet Coltsfoot (Petasites saggitatus)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun

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. 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. Closely related to P. frigidus. 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 flower stalks, used before the flower buds appear, are boiled until tender and seasoned with salt. Young leaves - cooked. The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute.

Medicinal uses

Antispasmodic, poultice, salve. A poultice of the leaves has been applied to itchy skin and also to worms that are eating the flesh.

Habitat

Wet places.

Native range

North-western N. America - Labrador to Alaska, south to British Columbia and Colorado.