Buddleja davidii, Butterfly-bush

Buddleja davidii or Butterfly-bush is robust shrubby perennial with long arching branches. It grows on waste and disturbed ground. It can be seen everywhere in the cities, growing over old decaying buildings.

This Buddleja plant was growing on the Fallowfield Loop. It was surrounded by tall grasses but the plant was still thriving well. There was a lot of sunlight and only in the afternoon it was partially shaded by the houses nearby. The soil conditions were wet but not damp.

The plants flowers are 3-4mm across with 4 lobs and pinkish purple in colour. They grow on long spikes which are extremely attractive to butterflies. Its leaves are long and narrow, and darker on the opposite side. It produces fruits in the form of capsules with winged seeds.