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.

Enchoria Lacteata On Coltsfoot

Day 159: It always pleases me when one of my photos is added to BugGuide.net's database. Over fifty of them have been used so far. Many times, I have been unable to identify "bug du jour," but their entomologists nearly always come through for me. In the case of Enchoria lacteata, I have been trying to capture it photographically for several years, only to have my targets fly away, disturbed by my presence.

Enchoria lacteata does not have a common name. It is a Geometrid moth, with a wingspan of approximately 3/4". The species has a particular fondness for Petasites palmatus (Coltsfoot), which was blooming when I took a walk on the Bud Blancher Trail a few days ago. As a matter of fact, this fine specimen was sharing the same umbel as the Bumblebee I posted recently.

Western Coltsfoot, Petasites Palmatus

Day 178: A sight almost as common in our lowland bogs as Skunk Cabbage, Western Coltsfoot is another early-spring emerger. Its odor isn't nearly as strong, but to my nose, it is less pleasant. Oddly, field guides seldom mention the scent. The flower heads burst into bloom before large, palmate leaves develop, often rising to a height of two feet. Sweet Coltsfoot (another variety of Petasites) is found at higher elevations and has a more strongly divided leaf. It blooms in late summer.