Petasites hybridus

We wandered through the village to the post office.  On the way I noticed the Butterbur had come into flower.   They aren't a very pretty flower but I always find them fascinating.  The structure, the flowers appearing early and before the leaves make them different.

These were growing on the stream side which fits perfectly with their niche preferences.  Damp soil is their preference.  They are called Butterbur because in years gone by the large leaves were used as a wrapping for Butter.  The flowers are high in nectar and a favourite with bees.