Centranthus ruber

(L.) DC.

Red Spur Valerian

Caprifoliaceae Edible: Leaves 43,487 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A hardy perennial reaching 0.9 m tall with a 0.6 m spread, growing at a medium rate. Hardy to UK zone 5 and not frost tender. Flowers June to August with seeds ripening July to September. Hermaphroditic, pollinated by bees and lepidopterans (moths and butterflies). Notable for attracting wildlife. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acid to very alkaline pH. Requires full sun, adapting to dry or moist soil and tolerating drought and maritime exposure.

Description

A perennial plant. It has underground stems or rhizomes. It grows 60-90 cm high. The stems usually branch from the base. The stems are erect, smooth and hollow. The leaves are in a clump and fleshy. The lower leaves are sword shaped and 3-12 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. The upper leaves taper to the tip. The leaves have small teeth. The flowers are usually red or pink and in dense erect stems. These are 25 cm long. They are small and starry. There is only one stamen. The fruit is narrowly oval and 3-4 mm long. There is a rib on one side.

Edible Uses

Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as greens, whether in salads or as a vegetable. Opinions on their quality differ — some rate them as exceedingly good, while others find them rather bitter and less than desirable when added to salads. The root is cooked and used in soups.

Traditional Uses

Young leaves are eaten in raw salads and sandwiches. These are slightly bitter. They can be boiled and served with butter.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

Red valerian is sometimes confused in herbals and folk tradition with true valerian (Valeriana officinalis). While true valerian has a very strong action on the nervous system, this species has no known medicinal properties. Reports describing it as a nervine likely reflect a confusion with Valeriana officinalis.

Distribution

It grows in temperate places. It is frost hardy. It grows in high rainfall areas. It can grow in poor soils and hot locations. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Tasmania Herbarium.

Where It Grows

Africa, Argentina, Australia, Britain, Europe, France, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, North Africa, Lord Howe island, San Marino, Sicily, Slovenia, South America, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown by seed.

Propagation

Sow seed February to May in situ, or as soon as it is ripe in situ, barely covering it. Germination is usually rapid. The plant can also be divided in spring, or propagated from summer cuttings taken in a cold frame.

Other Uses

The seeds were used in ancient embalming.

Notes

There are about 10-12 Centranthus species. It can become invasive. Also put in the family Valerianaceae.

Synonyms

Valeriana ruber

Also Known As

Baddariana russa, Jupiter's beard, Kiss-me-quick, Navadna rdeča špajka, Red valerian

References (27)

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Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 354
Curtis, W.M., 1963, The Students Flora of Tasmania Vol 2 p 278

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