Contents
Description
Petasites Pyrenaicus is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is also known as Butterbur or Bog Rhubarb. It is native to Europe but can also be found in other parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and Africa. Its scientific name “Petasites” is derived from the Greek word “petasos,” which means “broad-brimmed hat.” This name refers to the large leaves that resemble hats.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Petasites |
Appearance
Petasites Pyrenaicus is a large plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It has large, round leaves that can reach up to 60 cm in diameter. The leaves are green on top and whitish on the underside. The stem is thick and hairy, and the flowers are pink or white and bloom in the early spring.
Care Guide
Water: Petasites Pyrenaicus prefers moist soil, so it needs to be watered regularly. However, it should not be overwatered as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization: Petasites Pyrenaicus does not require fertilization, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Soil: Petasites Pyrenaicus prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can also tolerate heavy soils and clay soils.
Sunlight: Petasites Pyrenaicus prefers partial shade to full shade. It can also tolerate full sun if the soil is moist.
Hardiness Zones: Petasites Pyrenaicus is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Petasites Pyrenaicus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to slug and snail damage, especially when grown in moist conditions. It can also be affected by powdery mildew if grown in poorly ventilated areas.
Habitat
Petasites Pyrenaicus is native to wetlands, damp meadows, and riverbanks in Europe. It can also be found in other parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and Africa. It prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Petasites Pyrenaicus poisonous?
A: Petasites Pyrenaicus contains toxic chemicals that can cause liver damage and cancer if consumed in large quantities.
Q: Can Petasites Pyrenaicus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Petasites Pyrenaicus can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept moist and the plant is provided with partial to full shade.
Q: When should Petasites Pyrenaicus be pruned?
A: Petasites Pyrenaicus does not require pruning, but it can be cut back to the ground after flowering to promote new growth.
Q: How often should Petasites Pyrenaicus be fertilized?
A: Petasites Pyrenaicus does not require frequent fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year during the growing season.
Related Plants
- Petasites Japonicus
- Petasites Frigidus
- Petasites Hybridus
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Petasites Pyrenaicus. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c305
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Petasites Pyrenaicus. Retrieved from https://arboretum.wisc.edu/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/petasites-pyrenaicus/
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Petasites Pyrenaicus. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/28174/Petasites-pyrenaicus/Details
