Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasites vitifolius)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Petasites vitifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

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. — 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, swales and boggy woods. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)