Butterbur  (Petasites hybridus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

This species has a wide distribution in Britain, although female plants are found only in north and central England (3). Colonies containing just male plants are thought to be clones from deliberately planted specimens, perhaps introduced to provide a supply of nectar for bee-keeping (3). Butterbur is found in mainland Europe as far north as Scandinavia. It also occurs in north and west Asia and has been introduced to North America (2).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Typically found growing in shady places beside waterways, in wet meadows and copses, marshes, flood plains and damp roadsides (2) (3).

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