This plant from Asia is a near relative of our own native Petasites which is a tall groundcover along streams in the redwood region. Unlike our native, the Asian species is evergreen and is smaller staying less than a foot tall. It functions the same as our native in that it is a good cover good for areas where there is a lot of leaf litter as it puts up new leaves continuously which obscure litter. It may be invasive as it spreads by shallow underground runners, but it is still usefull for confined areas of dry shade.. The flowers are small white clusters on 10 inch stems The peltate leaves are round and can get to 8 inches across.