Winter heliotrope (Petasites pyrenaicus, Anales Jard. Bot. Madrid 42(2): 323 (1986))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Loefl.) G.López

Bibliography: Anales Jard. Bot. Madrid 42(2): 323 (1986)

Year: 1986

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Petasites

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Medit.

Description

Winter heliotrope, known scientifically as Petasites pyrenaicus, is a captivating plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Despite its common name, winter heliotrope is distinguished from other heliotropes by its unique blooming period in the colder months, which contributes to its name by bringing wintertime color and fragrance to gardens and landscapes.

This hardy perennial is noted for its rounded, heart-shaped leaves that form a dense ground cover, effectively suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture. The foliage maintains a lush, green presence throughout the winter, providing an evergreen quality that is particularly appealing during the dormant season.

The true charm of winter heliotrope lies in its delicate, fragrant flowers which appear in late winter to early spring. These small, tube-like blooms are typically white to pale pink and are borne in clusters on short stems rising above the foliage. Their intoxicating vanilla-like scent is a delightful surprise in the cold season, attracting early pollinators when few other flowers are in bloom.

Native to the Mediterranean region, winter heliotrope has adapted well to a variety of growing conditions, though it thrives best in moist, well-drained soil with a preference for partial shade. It is often found in woodlands, along riverbanks, and in shaded garden spots where it can spread without becoming overly invasive.

In landscaping, winter heliotrope is valued for its ability to provide ground cover in challenging areas, such as shady slopes and under trees where many plants struggle to grow. Its rapid growth and spreading habit can be an asset in controlling erosion while adding a pleasing aesthetic.

Historically, winter heliotrope has been documented in horticultural literature, including the detailed account found in “Anales Jard. Bot. Madrid 42(2): 323 (1986)” by G. López, reflecting on its Mediterranean origins and characteristics. This reflects its long-standing presence and utility in both natural and cultivated settings.

In sum, winter heliotrope is a versatile, aromatic addition to shaded garden spaces, offering evergreen foliage and fragrant winter blooms. Whether used as ground cover or simply to enjoy its wintertime flowers, Petasites pyrenaicus stands out as a reliable and attractive component of temperate horticulture.

Common Names

Deu: vanille-pestwurz, vanillen-pestwurz
Dan: vellugtende hestehov
Eng: winter heliotrope, sweet-coltsfoot, winter-heliotrope
Swe: doftskråp
Fra: héliotrope d’hiver
Nld: winterheliotroop
En: Winter heliotrope, Sweet-coltsfoot, Winter-heliotrope, Sweet-scented Coltsfoot
Ca: Barretera
Da: Vellugtende hestehov
Nl: Winterheliotroop
Fr: Pétasite odorant, Héliotrope d’hiver, Pétasite des Pyrénées
De: Vanille-Pestwurz, Vanillen-Pestwurz, Wohlriechende Pestwurz
It: Farfaraccio dei Pirenei, Farfaraccio vaniglione
Es: Sombrerera, Uña del Diablo
Sv: Doftskråp

Synonyms

• Cacalia alliariifolia (Poir.)
• Tussilago pyrenaica (Loefl.)
• Nardosmia denticulata (Cass.)
• Nardosmia racemosa (Pasq.)
• Nardosmia fragrans ((Vill.) Rchb.)
• Tussilago suaveolens (Desf.)
• Petasites fragrans ((Vill.) C.Presl)
• Tussilago fragrans (Vill.)
• Tussilago racemosa (Tausch)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Feb 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude ECHARDOUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 11, 2020 by Donnacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2020 by Francois Paillard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Julien noiret (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2020 by Mathieu Sardinoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 5, 2020 by Phillip Jones (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2020 by fannyschultz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2021 by valerie lannon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2022 by Stephanie Benden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2020 by Mathieu Sardinoux (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 26, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 4, 2021 by Julia Pravdenkova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2019 by Marie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2021 by de Perellos Ramon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2017 by Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Mar 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2022 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3088282)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:942865-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Petasites pyrenaicus (L.) G.López)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jan’, ‘feb’, ‘mar’]

Soil nutriments: 6