This post is by Jocie Brooks, leader of the Botany Group, from an email to members of the group on April 15.
I recently came across a nice patch of coltsfoot at the entrance to the Nile Creek trail (inland highway), which inspired me put together a few words on this interesting plant.
Western Sweet Coltsfoot (Petasites frigidus var. palmatus)
In early spring, when I peer into muddy ditches (as the botanist tends to do) a patch of coltsfoot is always a nice surprise. This is one of the earliest blooms of the year from the Aster family.
General Notes: Thick stems (which emerge before the leaves) are topped with an attractive dome of white and pinkish blooms. The broad leaves fan out like the footprint of a colt and are woolly-white beneath. The genus name Petasites comes from the Greek word “petasos” a broad-brimmed hat, which refers to the broad basal leaf. According to Lewis and Clark, when coltsfoot goes to seed, “the radiating pappus recalls a very large, but flattened Dandelion puff.”
Taxonomy Details: The most common variety in our area is Petasites frigidus var. palmatus, which has deeply divided leaves (leaves with deep indentations between lobes). Look out for sweet coltsfoot Petasites frigidus var nivalis, which is common in the subalpine of our area. The leaves of this variety are not as deeply divided.
Medicinal Use: Alaska natives chewed the root or soaked it in hot water and drank the tea for TB, chest problems, sore throat and stomach ulcers (Pojar & MacKinnon).
Where to look for it: Muddy spots, wet seepage, river banks, lakeshores, roadside ditches.
Other Trivia: A relative of this plant is Japanese butterbur, Petasites japonicus, a common garden plant with large, kidney shaped leaves.
