Wild plant? What is it?

[Ratatoskr]

Hi,

Helping my mother in this case.

She has heard that this plant grows in the wild and possibly even in the mountain range just a few kilometers from their residence. This plant on the photo was taken in her own garden and has always been there since they moved to this area.
We have never seen it in the mountains though but we have not been there that many times.
Photo was taken today.
Place is southern Spain, in an arid area with very little rain. This one of course receives watering.

So what plant is it and is it wild?



Thanks,
Mats

[artdemole]

Valerian is the plant.Alot growing well and in bud now.

[Ratatoskr]

Originally Posted by artdemole

Valerian is the plant.Alot growing well and in bud now.

Thank you very much for that.

[paul m]

Originally Posted by artdemole

Valerian is the plant.Alot growing well and in bud now.

Yes and no - this is one of the problems with 'common names'.
Your plant is sometimes called 'red valerian' (as well as 'kiss-me-quick', 'drunken sailor' and 'sweet Betsy'. amongst many others) but its scientific name is Centranthus ruber. It is a member of the valerian family, Valerianaceae, like the true valerians of the genus Valeriana oncluding the medicinal valerian Valeriana officinalis.

Another English name for Centranthus ruber is 'garden valerian' which indicates that it is an introduced species in the British Isles (and, I presume, Sweden). It is a native of the Mediterranean.
It's a very useful plant for insect feeding and is not harmful, unlike many garden escapes.