Western Isles Wildflowers

Western Isles wildflowers is a collection of information about our Hebridean wildflowers including identification hints, traditional herbal uses and general plant lore.

 

Common Butterwort

Pinguicula vulgaris

Gaelic name: Mòthan

Common butterwort is an insectivorous plant. It's rosette of yellowish-green leaves (which look rather like a starfish) work like a natural flypaper, trapping insects which the plant uses to supplement its mineral intake.

We also get a smaller more delicate species called pale butterwort which flowers later in the year.

Both species of butterwort grow on wet moorland.

There is a tradition in the Uists of putting nine of the roots of common butterwort in their handerchief to ensure a safe journey.

Another traditional use of butterwort is as a charm during childbirth.

This plant is also known as the bog violet.

Common butterwort is a native plant of the Western Isles.

Photography © Suzanne Harris
Uig - Isle of Lewis - Outer Hebrides (Western Isles)
12th May, 2007

(First one I saw flowering in the year)