The Alpine butterbur (Petasites paradoxus), also known by a variety of other local common names, is a member of the composite family.

This plant is typical for the protected habitat type:
Alpine river and the herbaceous vegetation along its banks FFH habitat type 3220 - subtype 3222

We find this habitat type along running waters of mountain ranges and foothills, with its characteristic furcation. The streams have a steep drop ranging from 20 to over 70% in certain stretches. However, there are more level stretches as well. Gravel banks accumulate in such areas in particular, and sand and silt are deposited in sections where there is little current. These alluvial deposits of wild streams, i.e., the gravel plains, are routinely rearranged and/or covered with new sediment by floods. The ecological conditions thus change frequently and dramatically.

Pioneer plants and plants capable of regeneration typical of fluvial communities give rise to a sparse vegetation cover. They are able to withstand intermittent flooding as well as droughts. Furthermore, seeds and plant parts from higher altitudes are dislodged and transported downstream by floods. Known as Alpenschwemmlinge [river-borne Alpines], they are able to thrive in the Tauglgries.