Western Coltsfoot, Petasites Sp.

Day 173: There has been much to-do in taxonomic circles regarding Petasites. Once separated into four separate species in the US, now all four are considered varieties of P. frigidus. If this by itself wasn't confusing enough, the varieties intergrade where their ranges overlap. P. frigidus var. palmatus (shown here) is commonly found in the lowlands of western Washington, but does intergrade with P. frigidus var. alpinus in the Olympics and Cascades. The inflorescence emerges in early spring, followed by true leaf development as the heads begin to turn to fluff. Although plants in the genus are called Coltsfoot commonly, any member of Petasites may also be mentioned as a "Butterbur" (Tolkien fans take note: Barliman Butterbur is the name of the Prancing Pony's absent-minded proprietor). Almost 20 species of Petasites are recognized world-wide.

Spring Has Sprung

Day 158: There are probably as many versions of this poem as there are those of us who learned it as children. Interchangeable words include "has/is," "riz/ris," "boidies/daisies/posies." It was taught to me by my mother as

Spring has sprung,
The grass is riz,
I wonder where
The daisies is?

The author, despite what you may have heard, was neither ee cummings or Ogden Nash, but one of the most prolific writers ever known, Ann O'Nymous. Her career spans centuries, and she continues to entertain us with new material even today.

This explanation now dispatched, I want to wish my readers a happy Spring via this photo of Coltsfoot, one of our earliest PNW plants to emerge. This specimen is what I formerly would have termed Petasites palmatus, but a quick check of current taxonomy reveals that it has been lumped under P. frigidus as "var. palmatus," the "frigidus" with palmate leaves. (Drat those taxonomists anyway!) Coltsfoot is extremely attractive to one particular species of tiny black-and-white moth (Enchoria lacteata, a geometrid) as well as assorted flies. When the plant is mature, it may stand up to 24" high with leaves the size of dinner plates. While it doesn't have the most pleasant scent or appealing blossoms, it is a sure sign that the more fragrant and beautiful "daisies/posies" are just around the corner.