Red Valerian
Scientific Name: Centranthus ruber
Category: plant
Brief Description
A bushy, perennial herb with clusters of small, star-shaped crimson, pink, or white flowers, commonly found growing on walls, cliffs, and disturbed ground.
Characteristics
Stems are blue-green and fleshy; leaves are lance-shaped to oval, opposite, and entire or slightly toothed. Flowers are fragrant, tightly clustered in rounded cymes, and feature a distinct narrow spur at the base of the corolla.
Habitat
Old stone walls, rocky slopes, cliffs, railway embankments, and waste ground.
When to Find It
Flowers from late spring through late summer (typically May to September).
Conservation Status
N/A
Ecological Role
Provides a rich source of nectar for various pollinators, particularly bees, butterflies, and long-tongued insects.
Easily Confused With
True valerian (Valeriana officinalis) which has whitish-pink flowers in flatter clusters and pinnate leaves, or other spur-bearing garden escapes.
Observation Tips
Look for bright patches of pink and red cascading down old brick or stone walls in urban and suburban areas, especially in sunny spots.
Interesting Facts
Despite its common name, Red Valerian is not closely related to true valerian, though its roots have historically been used in folk medicine for their calming properties.
User Notes
London