The hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana) arrived in Finland around the same time and in the same way as the warty cabbage in the 19th century, mixed in with seed and bread grains brought over from Russia and with fodder grasses and grains meant for Russian soldiers’ horses.
This is reflected in the fact that both species can nowadays be found growing around earthworks dating back to the Crimean War. As such, hoary alyssum can be found on Harakka island, Vallisaari island and the earthwork walls of Lauttasaari island.
Photo Marianne Saviaho.