Winter heliotrope (Petasites fragrans)

Common name: winter heliotrope

Species name: Petasites fragrans

Plant type: perennial herb

Origin: southern Europe, naturalised in the UK in the early 1800s.

Flowering period: winter (November to March)

Description: heart-shaped leaves which can grow up to 20cm across. The leaves are evergreen and form dense mats which can crowd out other species. The flower spikes are quite short, reaching no more than 30cm tall, and have clusters of pale pink or mauve flowers which have a strong sweet scent that fills the air.

Cluster of winter heliotropes

Winter heliotropes

Location: common around the south and west of the UK and Ireland. Within the SSSI I have currently only seen them on the middle drove just down from the gateway to field 160. There is a large cluster on the west side and a smaller cluster on the east. I haven't seen any other patches so far (as of 07/01/2020) but I'm keeping my eyes (and nose!) out for more.

Location of winter heliotrope in the SSSI (indicated by the black star)