Arctic Butterbur
Petasites frigidus
Also listed as Nardosmia frigida, Nardosmia angulosa
Also known as Arctic Sweet Coltsfoot, Sweet Coltsfoot, Northern Sweet-coltsfoot
Climate Match for your location
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Arctic Butterbur is a cold-hardy perennial with large, heart-shaped leaves and early spring flower clusters that emerge before foliage develops. It thrives in cool, wet habitats and spreads vigorously in suitable conditions.
Why grow it
Arctic Butterbur offers earlier flowering than many temperate Petasites species, with blooms appearing in late winter to early spring before leaf emergence. It is more cold-hardy than lowland butterbur species and performs reliably in northern climates and high-elevation sites where moisture is consistent. Its large foliage provides useful ground coverage in riparian zones and shaded wet areas where fewer ornamental perennials establish well.
Watch out for
This species can spread aggressively once established in favorable conditions, so site placement should account for its spreading habit and may benefit from physical barriers in smaller gardens. Foliage emerges densely and can shade nearby plants, making it less suitable for mixed plantings with shade-sensitive species. Consistent moisture is necessary to prevent stress; it performs poorly in drying conditions despite its vigor in wet sites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia
Native to: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Arctic Butterbur is a cold-hardy perennial with large, heart-shaped leaves and early spring flower clusters that emerge before foliage develops. It thrives in cool, wet habitats and spreads vigorously in suitable conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Arctic Butterbur grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Arctic Butterbur offers earlier flowering than many temperate Petasites species, with blooms appearing in late winter to early spring before leaf emergence. It is more cold-hardy than lowland butterbur species and performs reliably in northern climates and high-elevation sites where moisture is consistent. Its large foliage provides useful ground coverage in riparian zones and shaded wet areas where fewer ornamental perennials establish well.
Watch out for
This species can spread aggressively once established in favorable conditions, so site placement should account for its spreading habit and may benefit from physical barriers in smaller gardens. Foliage emerges densely and can shade nearby plants, making it less suitable for mixed plantings with shade-sensitive species. Consistent moisture is necessary to prevent stress; it performs poorly in drying conditions despite its vigor in wet sites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Arctic and subarctic regions of North America and Eurasia
Native to: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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