Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot
Petasites hyperboreus
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Pl. 8A03 — Petasites hyperboreus
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IOverview
Overview
Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot (Petasites hyperboreus) is a perennial herb found in the wild across northern regions of North America and Eurasia, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and various Russian territories. Known for its edible parts—flowers, leaves, and stems—it thrives in moist to wet soil conditions, preferring light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7.5 and 8. This plant is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 0.2 meters tall. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to adapt to cold climates while providing sustenance through its edible components.
Quick answers
What is Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot?
Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot (Petasites hyperboreus) is a perennial herb found in the wild across northern regions of North America and Eurasia, including Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, and various Russian territories.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 4-8 on the USDA Hardiness Zone scale. This perennial plant grows up to 0.2 meters tall and can be propagated by division. For best results, provide it with ample water and light to medium shade. The edible parts include flowers, leaves, and stems, which are suitable for use in various culinary applications. Soil pH should be maintained between 7.5 and 8 for optimal growth.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot for the first time
8steps
Start with Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot as a simple perennial for your garden, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is moist, well-draining, with a pH of 7.5–8. Amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Prune dead foliage in late winter.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune stems after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting winter protection.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesStem
Edible uses: Salt
Other uses:Containerstextiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe6 regions
native (6)AlbaniaAustriaFinlandNorwayRussiaSweden
Asia1 region
native (1)Mongolia
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Amur, British Columbia, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Northwest Territorie, Nunavut, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Tuva, Washington, Yukon, Baltic States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8a03aa5c-eee3-4ca9-8673-34bc17ebd63a
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