This is a perennial shrub which seems to grow just about anywhere – waste ground, embankments, even on the rooftops of old or derelict buildings and, of course, in the gardens of those wishing to encourage and admire Butterflies. It's a loose, lanky shrub which branches from ground level. From June to September it carries long, conical spikes of 4-lobed pinkish-mauve flowers (3-4mm across) which have a small orange 'eye' and which are heavily scented. Its lanceolate, opposite leaves are grey-green and the arching stems are light coloured, appearing somewhat cracked. This shrub can reach a height of 4 metres. It is not a native but an introduction from China and it belongs to the family Plantaginaceae.
I first recorded this plant in Dalkey, Co Dublin in 1966 and photographed it in Gibletstown, Co Wexford (photo with Small Tortoiseshell) and Shanganagh, Co Dublin in 2006.
If you are satisfied you have correctly identified this plant, please submit your sighting to the National Biodiversity Data Centre
