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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 24 to 36 in
Width: 36 to 60 in
Flower color: Pale yellowish white flower clusters on thick upright stems
Foliage color: Very large rounded green leaves forming bold dense colonies
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Consistently moist to wet rich soil
Maintenance: Moderate; spreads vigorously by rhizomes and may require containment
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Bees and other early season pollinators

Perennials

Petasites japonicus

Japanese Butterbur

Petasites japonicus sends up rounded clusters of pale creamy flowers in very early spring, often before the foliage fully expands, bringing a quiet seasonal awakening to shaded garden spaces. Soon after bloom, large, softly textured leaves unfurl into broad green discs carried on sturdy stems, creating a lush, cooling presence that endures through the growing season and lends bold structure to woodland plantings.

Native to Japan, Korea, and parts of eastern China, it reflects the moist forest margins and streamside environments of East Asia where it has long been gathered and cultivated. Vigorous vegetative growth allows colonies to broaden gradually, contributing enduring texture and leafy fullness across summer.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Consistently moist to wet rich soil

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Lungworts · Wild ginger · Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras

Design tip

Flowers in the quietest months make this worth a sheltered spot within sight of a window or door. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.