The plant name of butterbur is Petasites hybridus.
This common name refers to a specific species known scientifically by its binomial name, Petasites hybridus. This system helps in uniquely identifying plants across different regions and languages.
Understanding Butterbur's Plant Name
The scientific name, Petasites hybridus, is derived from Latin and Greek, reflecting its classification in the plant kingdom. The first part, Petasites, represents the genus, while hybridus is the specific epithet that distinguishes this particular species within the genus.
Here's a detailed breakdown of Butterbur's botanical classification:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Butterbur |
| Scientific Name | Petasites hybridus |
| Family | Asteraceae (Aster) |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Habit | Herbs |
Botanical Family: Asteraceae
Butterbur belongs to the Asteraceae family, also widely known as the daisy or sunflower family. This is one of the largest and most diverse families of flowering plants, comprising over 32,000 known species. Members of this family are characterized by their composite flowers, which are made up of many smaller florets gathered into a dense head resembling a single flower.
This family includes a wide range of familiar plants, from ornamental flowers like daisies and sunflowers to food crops like lettuce and artichokes, and medicinal plants such as echinacea. The Asteraceae family is known for its ecological importance and widespread distribution across various climates.
