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Butterbur Wikimedia Commons
Asteraceae

Butterbur

Petasites japonicus

Strength and protection.

Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Petasites
Native to
Japan, China, Korea
Bloom season
Late Winter, Early Spring
Type
herbaceous perennial
Height
1-3 ft
Sunlight
part shade to full shade
Soil
Moist, rich, humus soil
Water
high
Hardiness
4-9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Butterbur leaves can grow over 3 feet across, earning it the Japanese name fuki, and historically people used them as umbrellas.
  • The flower stalks emerge before the leaves in late winter, pushing through snow to bloom when almost nothing else is flowering.
  • In Japanese cuisine, butterbur stalks called fuki are a popular vegetable, pickled or simmered in a sweet soy broth.
  • The name butterbur comes from the traditional European practice of wrapping butter in the large leaves to keep it cool.
  • Butterbur extract called Petadolex has been clinically studied for migraine prevention and seasonal allergy relief.

Color meanings

0

justice

1

protection

2

shelter

Uses

  • edible vegetable
  • herbal medicine
  • ornamental ground cover
  • streamside planting