Common butterbur and giant butterbur are perennial plants that grow well in shaded, moist areas. They send up flowering stalks in the spring before the leaves emerge. They have large leaves that can shade out other plants.
Description
Appearance
Common butterbur and giant butterbur are both perennial plants that grow well in shaded areas near water. They have large heart or kidney-shaped leaves and can spread in patches.
Leaves and stem
Common butterbur leaves are heart or kidney-shaped, can grow up to 3 feet wide, and have scalloped edges. The leaves are smooth on top and have hairs on the underside. The leaves grow from the base of the plant and can be 3-4 feet tall.
Giant butterbur leaves are heart or kidney-shaped, can grow up to 5 feet wide, and have scalloped edges. The leaves are smooth on top and have hairs on the underside. The leaves grow from the base of the plant and can be 3 feet tall.
The flowering stalks of both plants can look like stems. The flowering stalks have leaf-like bracts that are arranged alternately along the flowering stalk.
Flowers
Common butterbur and giant butterbur flowers emerge on a flowering stalk in the spring before the leaves. The flowers are small, compound flowers that grow in clusters. Common butterbur flowers are pink to purplish while giant butterbur flowers are white to yellowish.
Seeds
Common butterbur and Japanese butterbur seeds are small with a tuft of white bristles on their ends.
Rhizomes and roots
Both species can spread by underground stems called rhizomes. Spread by rhizomes allows expansion of clumps of plants. Pieces of rhizomes can sprout new plants. Both species have extensive rhizomes and roots which can make hand removal challenging.
Biology
Both species are perennial and grow well in shaded, moist areas. They can reproduce sexually by seed and spread asexually by pieces of roots and rhizomes.
Origin and spread
Common butterbur is native to Europe extending south to Iran. It was introduced to North America for medicinal purposes. Giant butterbur is native to Korea, China, and Japan. It was introduced to North America for horticultural purposes.
Refer to EDDMapS for the current distribution maps of common butterbur and giant butterbur.
Don't be fooled by these look-alikes
- Arctic sweet coltsfoot or Arctic butterbur, Petasites frigidus (native) - There are three varieties of Petasites frigidus and none of them have the kidney shaped leaves of common and giant butterbur. Petasites frigidus variety sagittatus has triangular, spear-shaped leaves. The leaves of Petasites frigidus variety palmatus have deep lobes. The leaves of Petasites frigidus variety X vitifolius are triangular-shaped with lobes.
- Marsh marigold, Caltha palustris (native) – Marsh marigold grows in similar habitats as common and giant butterbur. Marsh marigold has yellow flowers and has much smaller leaves (4 inches wide) than common and giant butterbur.
- Common burdock, Arctium minus (invasive) – Common burdock leaves are leaves are triangular, its flowers are purple, and it produces burrs that stick to clothing.
Regulatory classification
These species will become Minnesota Department of Agriculture Specially Regulated Plants in January 2026 beginning a three year phase out period for commercial production. Then in January 2029 they will become restricted Noxious Weeds, meaning they would become illegal to import, sell, or transport.
Threat to Minnesota
- The plants have large leaves that cause dense cover and can shade out plants beneath them.
- They can potentially increase erosion as more bare soil is exposed beneath them.
- One study in Europe found that common butterbur leaches alkaloids (organic compounds with nitrogen) into surface and ground water, but no impacts on people or wildlife have been reported.
What you should do
One way that invasive plant seeds and fragments can spread is in soil. Sometimes plants are planted purposefully. You can prevent the spread of invasive plants.
PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks
- REMOVE plants, animals and mud from boots, gear, pets and vehicles.
- CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site.
- STAY on designated roads and trails.
- PLANT non-invasive species.
Native Substitutes
- Arctic sweet coltsfoot or Arctic butterbur (Petasites frigidus)
- Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
- Cut-leafed toothwort (Cardamine concatenata)
- Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum var. virginianum)
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)
Control Methods
Mechanical control can be done by digging or pulling the plant by hand or with equipment such as shovels. Continue to monitor the area and pull any sprouts that come up. Plants can resprout from root fragments so monitor the area where you pile the pulled plants. View the Minnesota Department of Agriculture noxious weed disposal website for additional information regarding plant disposal.
Herbicide control can be done using glyphosate or metsulfuron. These are systemic herbicides which are taken up by plants and move within the plant, which can kill leaves, stems, and roots. If you are applying herbicide near water, use an herbicide approved for aquatic use.
Reporting
Report new occurrences by submitting a report through EDDMapS, emailing Report a Pest, calling Report a Pest (1-888-545-6684), or contacting your local county agricultural inspector.
Resources
- Common butterbur (butterfly dock) identification and management (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)
- Common butterbur identification and management (Midwest Invasive Species Information Network)
- Giant butterbur (fuki) identification and management (Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board)