Western Coltsfoot (Petasites frigdus)

Western Coltsfoot or Alpine Butterbur is a lush ground cover for damp areas of the yard where weed suppression is needed. Growing to 1-2 feet tall it spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes to form a thick effective ground cover. Western Coltsfoot is commonly found growing along stream banks and in coastal zones where they benefit from frequent fog banks. Inland it prefers shade to part shade, but it can handle full sun along the coast. As it grows naturally along the coast, it is very salt tolerant. Western Coltsfoot flowers March-April, with flower stocks emerging before its leaves arrive. When flowers fade they become beautiful fluffy seed heads. Western Coltsfoot is Winter Deciduous.

Western Coltsfoot has a wide native range - stretching from Alaska to California, across Canada, Northern Europe, and Northern Asia. It is also a host plant for the Alaskan Swallowtail butterfly and Bordered Patch butterfly.

Each seed packet contains 3/4 teaspoon - Roughly 150 Seeds and germination instructions are included.

Western Coltsfoot at a glance

• Average growth dimensions - 1-2 ft tall x 3+ ft wide
• Dormancy - Winter deciduous
• Plant type - Perennial herb
• Sun - Mostly sunny - mostly shady
• Water - Moist - wet
• Flowering time - March - May
• Flower color - White - pinkish white
• Soil preference - Adaptable, but prefers moist soil rich in organic matter (loamy forest floors)