Petasites hybridus Butterbur (Compositae)

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Petasites hybridus
Butterbur
(1 Page of 5)

The Petasites hybridus plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Butterbur. Some home gardeners know the variety as P. officinalis. P. ovatus. P. vulgaris. Tussilago petasites. T. hybrida.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Petasites hybridus
Common Name:  Butterbur
Family:  Compositae
Author:  (L.)P.Gaertn.,Mey.&Scherb.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  3

Habitat:  Wet meadows and copses by streams to 1500 metres[17]. The female form is rare or absent from much of Britain[17].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1], but prefers a deep fertile humus-rich soil that is permanently moist but not stagnant, succeeding in shade, semi-shade or full sun[200]. Requires a moist shady position[187]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[233]. A very invasive plant, too rampant for anything other than the wild garden[187, 200]. Its roots are very difficult to eradicate[200]. It is best to only grow the male form in the garden to prevent unwanted seedlings popping up all over the place[200]. The growth is so dense and vigouous, with large leaves that can be 75cm or more across, that virtually no other plant is able to grow amongst this species[4]. Plants are a useful early nectar source for bees[200]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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