Butterbur

The three large patches of butterbur at Cortes, have now opened fully and can be identified as the white form. (Petasites albus)The strange, striking white flowers are a conspicuous feature of the verge near the junction with the Peterhead road. The plant has both male and female flowers, borne in broad racimes, more densely clustered in the male plants. Pollination is by insects.

A few small leaves, like those of the related coltsfoot, are just starting to appear, these will eventually be up to about 50cms. Historically the leaves were used to wrap butter, hence the plant's name.