PETASITES
japonica

Though a native of East Asia , 'Japanese Butterbur', or 'Fuki' (as it's commonly known), manages to thrive quite vigorously in our seemingly disparate climate. Japonica forms spreading mounds of large basal-leaved foliage, to over 5 feet in diameter, and reaching around 3 feet tall. Dense clusters of fragrant, yellow-white flowers appear in early spring, giving way to large (3'+), long-stalked leaves that are deep green and lightly serrated on their edges. Bitter stalks are edible - sometimes used in tempura preparations. Tasty! Prefers average to moist soil, and performs well along stream and pond banks. Full to part shade. Hardy to Zone 5a.