Petasites frigidus (Petasites speciosa)

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

Petasites speciosa is a PERENNIAL at a fast rate.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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute. The stems and leaves, whilst still green, are rolled up into balls, dried and then placed on top of a very small fire on a rock and burned. — The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute.; The stems and leaves, whilst still green, are rolled up into balls, dried and then placed on top of a very small fire on a rock and burned.; A very acceptable condiment for piñole.

Habitat & North American Range

Meadows, swampy places and moist woods. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)