This woolly white member of the daisy family grows on Scotland’s mountains in grassy and heathery areas throughout Scotland but particularly on our highest hills. It has been called Scotland’s edelweiss although in gaelic its name, Spog cait means cat’s paw. Its common name refers to its medicinal benefits and was known in the past as ‘Live for ever’. It was used as a cure for mumps and for bites from poisonous snakes.
Action Needed
1. Support the Climate Change Act to promote greater progress towards mitigation of climate change.
2. Promote the Muirburn Code to ensure Mountain everlasting and upland plants are not damaged by muirburn.
3. Promote Scotland’s mountains as places where unique species live, encouraging respect for their fragile habitats.
4. Ensure the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy is fully implemented.
Threats
In common with other upland plants, its key threats come from loss of suitable habitat, loss to climate change, over-grazing, and muirburn.
MSP Species Champion
Andy Wightman
Member for: Lothian
Party: Scottish Green Party
