noun
butterbur
Butterbur (noun) means Butterbur is any of several Eurasian herbs of the genus Petasites, with dense clusters of flowers that are often purple. Example: “Butterbur grows in damp ground beside the river.”
noun
1
Butterbur is any of several Eurasian herbs of the genus Petasites, with dense clusters of flowers that are often purple.
"Butterbur grows in damp ground beside the river."
"The butterbur's broad leaves spread out once the flowers have faded."
"Herbalists have long used butterbur for various remedies."
How to use butterbur
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA large-leaved plant once used to wrap butter, with clusters of purple flowers.
When to use it
It is a plain, everyday plant name used in gardening and herbal contexts.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a patch of butterbur
butterbur leaves
wild butterbur
butterbur flowers
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_____ grows in damp ground beside the river.
Etymology
The name is a compound of butter and bur. It refers to the plant's large leaves, which were once used to wrap butter.
Synonyms
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butterdock
sweet coltsfoot
Frequently asked questions
What is butterbur?
It is a Eurasian herb in the genus Petasites, known for its large leaves and clusters of often purple flowers.
Why is it called butterbur?
Its big leaves were once used for wrapping butter, which gave the plant its name.
Is butterbur the same as coltsfoot?
Butterbur and sweet coltsfoot are closely related enough that sweet coltsfoot is used as another name for it.
What is the meaning of butterbur?
"butterbur" (noun) means butterbur is any of several Eurasian herbs of the genus Petasites, with dense clusters of flowers that are often purple.
