Butterbur
Petasites albus
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Pl. 9A9C — Petasites albus
Petasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albusPetasites albus
IOverview
Overview
Butterbur (Petasites albus) is a perennial plant native to the moist soils of Europe and parts of Asia, including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and France among others. Known for its edible stems, this plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil types with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8. Butterbur's native range extends from the northern reaches of Europe like Norway and Sweden to southern regions such as Greece and Turkey, making it adaptable to various climates within its habitat. Its light energy requirement of 5/10 indicates a moderate need for sunlight.
Quick answers
What is Butterbur?
Butterbur (Petasites albus) is a perennial plant native to the moist soils of Europe and parts of Asia, including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and France among others. Known for its edible stems, this plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil types with a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Butterbur thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8 and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during active growth periods. Butterbur prefers partial shade but will tolerate full sun if kept well-watered. Propagate through division of mature plants or by seed. Harvest the edible stem parts in late spring for use as a mild sedative and diuretic.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Butterbur for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in moist soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Butterbur plant or seeds, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is workable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist soil; amend with compost if necessary. Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants in early spring, spacing them about 1 meter apart. Sow seeds in late winter to early spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead foliage.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's size.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too dry a location, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Stem
Edible uses: The stem of the Butterbur plant is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, it is harvested and consumed raw or cooked. The stems are often peeled before eating to remove any bitter layers. Skip the detailed preparation instructions as per the data provided.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 7 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 7 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 23 native· 7 introduced
Europe20 regions
native (18)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (2)IrelandUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (1)Turkey
introduced (1)India
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Transcaucasus
introduced:Baltic States, Føroyar
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9a9cf39e-22ce-432f-a16d-b163537b070e
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