Japanese Butterbur

• Perennial, herbaceous plant with an almost tropical appearance that can grow up to 6 feet tall
• Similar in appearance to rhubarb
• Simple, kidney-shaped leaves can grow up to 3 ft across, with dense hairs on the underside
• Single leaves grown on ridged, hollow stems
• Flowers are white to pink and grow on a spike that emerges before leaves in the late winter/early spring
• Native to Asia, likely brought to North America as an ornamental
• Its scientific name comes from the Greek word petasos, meaning a wide-brimmed hat
• Found in shaded areas with moist soil, including river banks, shorelines, wetlands, and ditches

• Spreads easily by rhizomes or rhizome fragments and sometimes through seed
• Large leaves can shade and outcompete native vegetation, leaving bare ground beneath which can lead to increased erosion.

Currently classified as Eradicate in the region.

• It is present in the region with limited distribution, so eradication is feasible
• CKISS is taking steps to monitor and manage Japanese butterbur
• To learn more about how CKISS classifies and manages invasive species, see our Invasive Species Priority Lists page.

Mechanical Treatment:

• Can be time-consuming and labor-intensive with large infestations
• Pull or dig up plants when the soil is moist to control small infestations, ensuring to dig up all rhizome material