Petasites vitifolius -
| Family: | Compositae |
| Habit: | Perennial |
| Height: | 0.6 |
| Width: | 1 |
| Synonyms: | |
| Range: | N. America - southwards from Canada. |
The flowers from this plant are dioecious (each plant is either male or female, thus both genders need to be present to seed) and they are pollinated by Insects
Soil Information
Petasites vitifolius will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Petasites vitifolius prefers soils
Ideal Planting Locations
Petasites vitifolius can grow in full, semi shaded areas and areas with no shade.Meadows, swales and boggy woods[43].
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- Grows within a woodland garden
- Works within dappled Shade
- Grows in a shady edge
- Is suited to a deeply shaded location
- Suits a meadow
- A bog garden plant
Cultivation Details
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1], but prefers a deep fertile humus-rich soil that is permanently moist but not stagnant, succeeding in shade, semi-shade or full sun[200]. Prefers partial shade[31]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[233]. A very invasive plant, too rampant for anything other than the wild garden[187, 200]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.Edible Uses*
* See disclaimerEdible Rating: 1/5
The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute[105]. 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[207]. A very acceptable condiment for piñole[207].
- Salt - plants that provide a substitute for salt.
Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimerMedicinal Rating: 0/5
None known
Propagation
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.Known Hazards
None knownOther Uses
None knownCultivars
no recorded cultivarsReferences
Gray's Manual of Botany.Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950
DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.