Sweet Coltsfoot
Petasites japonicus
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. F24D — Petasites japonicus
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IOverview
Overview
Sweet Coltsfoot (Petasites japonicus) is a perennial herb found in the wild across China and Japan, thriving in moist to wet environments with light to full shade. Native to regions such as North-Central, South-Central, and Southeastern China, Korea, and parts of Russia, this plant is adaptable to various soil types including sandy, medium, and clay soils. Known for its edible flowers and stems, Sweet Coltsfoot can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to flourish under a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile addition to gardens or natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Sweet Coltsfoot?
Sweet Coltsfoot (Petasites japonicus) is a perennial herb found in the wild across China and Japan, thriving in moist to wet environments with light to full shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sweet Coltsfoot thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers partial sun to full shade. It is adaptable to light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. Hardy in zones 5-9, this perennial grows up to 0.6 meters tall. For best results, plant it where it can receive full sun to partial shade. Propagate through division of the rhizomes in early spring for new plants. Harvest its edible parts—flowers and stems—for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sweet Coltsfoot for the first time
7steps
Sweet Coltsfoot is a forgiving plant for beginners, focusing on soil preparation and basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Sweet Coltsfoot plant or seeds, garden gloves, a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring before new growth starts or in late fall after the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants in the spring. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts. Harvest flowers for decorative purposes if desired.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersStem
Edible uses: The sweet coltsfoot's flowers and stems are edible. The flowers can be eaten raw or used in salads, while the tender young stems can be cooked like asparagus. Both parts add a mild, slightly sweet flavor to dishes.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 12 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 12 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 9 native· 12 introduced
Europe10 regions
introduced (10)BelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyIrelandNetherlandsNorwaySwedenUnited Kingdom
Asia4 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
introduced (1)Vietnam
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Kuril Is., Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Sakhalin
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · f24d286b-6eab-4a7d-8caa-89c4efb38267
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