When does Petasites frigidus bloom?

Petasites frigidus blooms early in the season, typically flowering in March, April, and May before many other forbs have emerged.

What pollinators visit Petasites frigidus?

Bees and flies are the main visitors to Petasites frigidus, attracted to its early spring nectar and pollen when few other flowers are available.

What growing conditions suit Petasites frigidus best?

Petasites frigidus grows best in part shade with consistently high moisture, often along streambanks, wet meadows, and moist forest edges.

Does Petasites frigidus keep its leaves year round?

No, Petasites frigidus is deciduous. It dies back to the ground in fall and sends up new leaves and flower stalks the following spring.

Is Arctic Butterbur toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Arctic Butterbur as toxic to livestock.

Is Arctic Butterbur HOA-friendly?

Arctic Butterbur takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Arctic Butterbur

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Petasites frigidus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Petasites frigidus, or Arctic butterbur, is a part shade forb that blooms in March, April, and May, favoring wet meadows and streambanks in cooler northern climates.

Toxicity unknown

Arctic Butterbur (Petasites frigidus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Arctic Butterbur as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, CO, CT, ID and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Arctic butterbur is a native perennial with large, rounded leaves and clusters of small white to pinkish flowers that appear in early spring before the foliage emerges. This moisture-loving plant thrives in shaded areas and can spread to form colonies in ideal conditions. It goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring growth returns.

Growing Arctic Butterbur

Grow Arctic Butterbur in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Arctic Butterbur takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Completely dormant and invisible in winter
Can spread aggressively in moist conditions
Large leaves may appear untidy to some

Wildlife value

The early spring blooms provide nectar for bees and flies when few other flowers are available. The large leaves offer shelter for small wildlife during the growing season.

Common questions

When does Petasites frigidus bloom?: Petasites frigidus blooms early in the season, typically flowering in March, April, and May before many other forbs have emerged.
What pollinators visit Petasites frigidus?: Bees and flies are the main visitors to Petasites frigidus, attracted to its early spring nectar and pollen when few other flowers are available.
What growing conditions suit Petasites frigidus best?: Petasites frigidus grows best in part shade with consistently high moisture, often along streambanks, wet meadows, and moist forest edges.
Does Petasites frigidus keep its leaves year round?: No, Petasites frigidus is deciduous. It dies back to the ground in fall and sends up new leaves and flower stalks the following spring.
Is Arctic Butterbur toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Arctic Butterbur as toxic to livestock.
Is Arctic Butterbur HOA-friendly?: Arctic Butterbur takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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