1 / 5

Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 12 to 24 in
Width: 24 to 36 in
Flower color: Pale pink to whitish flower clusters on upright stems
Foliage color: Large green palmate leaves with softly toothed margins
Bloom time: Early to mid spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: High
Maintenance: Moderate; spreads by rhizomes and may require containment
Growing zone: USDA zones 2 to 7
Wildlife: Bees and other early season pollinators

Perennials

Petasites frigidus var. palmatus

Western Coltsfoot

Petasites frigidus var. palmatus emerges in early spring with clusters of soft pink to pale rose flower heads that appear before the foliage expands, bringing early seasonal color to cool garden spaces. Rounded leaves unfold into broad, palmately lobed blades of fresh green that create a lush ground-layer presence through the growing season.

Native to cold regions of northern North America and parts of Eurasia, it reflects the short growing seasons and moist woodland edges of subarctic and boreal landscapes. Steady vegetative spread and bold foliage lend natural continuity to shaded plantings and streamside-inspired settings across the warmer months.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

High

Bloom time

Early to mid spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers

Design tip

The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.