Butterbur

Scientific Classification & Quick Facts

Common name	Butterbur
Scientific name	Petasites hybridus
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Petasites
Type	Perennial herb with creeping underground stems
Habitat	Marshes, ditches, lake shores and riverbanks
Native range	Europe and northern Asia
Size	Leaves up to 2 ft wide
Colours	Pink to reddish-violet flower spikes
Flowering season	Early spring, before the leaves
Special feature	Big leaves once wrapped butter to keep it cool

Butterbur, botanically known as Petasites Hybridus is a herbaceous perennial plant in the Petasites genus of the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and parts of western Asia. It is a perennial plant that has thick rhizomes that creep underground and has large leaves in the growing period. The other synonyms are P. Ovatus , P. Vulgaris and P. Officinalis.

History

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is native to Europe, including Scandinavia, and parts of western Asia; related species such as Japanese butterbur grow in Korea, Japan and China. Butterbur was used since ancient times for medicinal purposes. It is related to coltsfoot and was believed to be an effective medicine for sinus and asthma problems. It was known as “plague flower” is some parts of the world during the 16th century.

Anatomy

Butterbur is a flowering perennial plant that grows around 1 to 3 feet tall. It has leaves that look like rhubarb. They are named so because, in the olden times, when there was no refrigerator, these long leaves were used to cover and wrap around the butter to protect it from heat. The flowers emerge before the leaves in the beginning of the year around the February month. The flower stalks are pink in color and they appear like a button mushroom while emerging from the earth. In many places, butterbur was known as ‘early mushrooms’. When this plant is fully grown, the stocky spikes of the flower turn purplish in color towards the bottom along with reddish-violet flowers. Male and female functional flowers grow on different plants. The female spike is comparatively larger than the male ones.

Habitat

Butterbur is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows in moist environment such as marshes, ditches, lake shores, fields and riverbanks. It is found across Europe and western Asia and has been introduced to parts of North America. Related species grow in Korea, Japan and China.

Soil

This perennial can tolerate and thrive in any soil type. It prefers to grow in wet or moist soil. It can even adjust with some water logging in the soil. There is no particular pH level required for this herb. It thrives well in partial to full sun. It can also thrive in highly polluted areas in urban cities. Hence it can be found in inner city areas. The best way is to propagate by division.

Planting

It succeeds in ordinary garden soil but prefers a deep fertile soil which is moist all the time. If planting by seeds, leave about a 5 foot gap between the seeds as this plant requires more space in the growing period. It spreads widely and its leaves grow up to 2 feet wide. It is advisable to grow seeds in a cold frame and later transplant to the garden.

Watering

Regular watering is required to prevent the soil from drying. There is no need to let the soil dry between two watering. Ensure the soil stays moist.

Temperature and humidity

Butterbur is a hardy plant and can tolerate a temperature of -28.8°C. It should be watered regularly if grown in garden areas. It prefers partial to full sun and can also tolerate slightly over watered soil.

Uses

Butterbur has traditionally been used as a tonic. It was traditionally used for treating chest complaints from bronchitis, whooping cough, fever and asthma. It is also believed to provide relief for urinary infections and tract inflammations. It has traditionally been applied externally to wounds and skin eruptions. Raw or unprocessed butterbur contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can damage the liver, so it should not be eaten or used as a remedy without a doctor’s advice.

Pests and Diseases

Few pests and diseases are known to harm this plant.

Butterbur FAQs