Herb latin name: Petasites vitifolius


Family: Compositae



Edible parts of Petasites vitifolius:

The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute. The stems and leaves, whilst still green, are rolled up into balls, dried and then placed on top of a very small fire on a rock and burned. A very acceptable condiment for piäole.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Meadows, swales and boggy woods.

Propagation of Petasites vitifolius:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe or in early spring. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division succeeds at almost any time of the year. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Meadows, swales and boggy woods.

Medicinal use of Petasites vitifolius:

None known

Known hazards of Petasites vitifolius:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.