Common Butterbur
petasites hybridus
Also known as: ["Bog Rhubarb","Devil's Hat","Giant Butterbur"]
Overview
A large perennial herbaceous plant known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and pale purple flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves appear.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Petasites |
| Botanical Name: | Petasites hybridus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: shady garden bed or container in a cool, moist environment
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; can tolerate damp soil but not waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil; prefers organic matter like compost or peat moss.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; more frequently if controlling spread.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or diseased foliage rather than heavy shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates 2–4 hours of morning sun; prefers protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from indoors to outdoors; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch; place in dappled light or filtered shade for optimal growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun, provide shade, monitor leaf color for signs of stress.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
rich, moist, well-draining soil
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, enrich with organic matter, maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); thrives in cooler climates; tolerates frost but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from frost, provide shade in summer, maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Use diluted fertilizer to prevent burn, fertilize during active growth, stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Division is the most reliable method; stem cuttings can also be used but are less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots attached.
- Plant divisions at the same depth as the parent plant.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Rich, moist potting mix with good drainage; can also be propagated in water initially.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; rooting hormone can be used for stem cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–6 weeks, full establishment in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or spade, gloves, pots or containers.
Quick Tips
Divide in early spring, ensure each division has roots, keep soil moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back dead or yellowing leaves at the base; trim back overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and appearance; control spread by removing unwanted shoots.
Tools
Sharp, clean pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Check for dead leaves, sanitize tools, cut cleanly, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for controlling spread in containers.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water well.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat; browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below freezing without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from frost with a frost cloth; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging in cold soil.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown spots; growth may slow or stop in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to the hepatotoxic effects of pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in Petasites hybridus. Ingestion can result in severe liver damage and potentially fatal outcomes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Petasites hybridus are toxic to dogs, potentially causing liver damage and failure. Prolonged ingestion can lead to chronic liver conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicPetasites hybridus contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause liver damage upon ingestion. Chronic exposure may lead to severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Petasites hybridus toxic to humans?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage if ingested in large quantities.
Q: Does Petasites hybridus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it beneficial for wildlife gardens.
Q: How should Petasites hybridus be cared for?
A: It thrives in moist, rich soil and partial shade, and requires moderate maintenance to control its spread and prevent fungal issues.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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