Anaphalis margaritacea Pearly Everlasting I
I was first shown this North American introduction in the dune systems of South Wales had intended looking for it on a future visit in August. On my way back North from Cardiff via the Mid Wales route, I spied an unusual plant growing on a bank just outside Merthyr Tydfil as I zoomed past at 70 mph. "That looks like Anaphalis margaritacea" I thought.
So I parked at the nearest lay-by, grabbed the camera and found that identifications from inside cars travelling at speed can occasionally be correct. There was a fair bit of this plant along the roadside verge and most of was on a slope rather than on the flat verge.
This plant is dotted around England, Wales and Scotland with the greatest concentration of records from the south Wales area where this one was photographed. There is not much to be found in Ireland.
Roadside verge North of Merthyr Tydfil, 2nd August 2005
Added on 3rd August 2005, updated 29th June 2008, updated Feb 26th 2010, updated se3 23rd April 2010, updated 24th August 2018