Plants to look for in August — Red Valerian

Although Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber) was first found in the Mediterranean, it was introduced to other parts of the world as a garden plant and from there escaped into the wild. It’s so invasive that it must not even be owned or imported into South Africa! It spreads so easily because it has tufted seeds which are carried on the wind like dandelion seeds.  It is also very tolerant of alkaline conditions, which allows it to grow in places that other plants couldn’t live, such as the mortar of old walls. It is not to be confused with true Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). It is very good for pollinaters.