Arrowleaf Sweet Coltsfoot (Petasites saggitatus)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Petasites saggitatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. It is in flower from May to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young flower stalks, used before the flower buds appear, are boiled until tender and seasoned with salt. Young leaves - cooked. A felt-like texture. The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute. — Young flower stalks, used before the flower buds appear, are boiled until tender and seasoned with salt.; Young leaves - cooked.; A felt-like texture.; The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet places. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)