Centranthus ruber 'Red Valerian'

[Ex. Tynemouth, England]

Valerianaceae: an upright, branched, hairless, greyish-green perennial to 70cm. grows on broken, rocky ground, chalk cliffs and old walls. The flowers are reddish or pink, but sometimes white, they form dense terminal heads from May-September. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

USES:

The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as greens, and are said to be exceedingly good, either in salads or cooked as a vegetable. This differs from our own experience, whilst the leaves can be added to salads they are rather bitter. Root can also be cooked and used in soups.

Red valerian is sometimes confused in herbals and folk tradition with the true valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Whilst true valerian has a very strong action on the nervous system, this species has no known medical properties.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Grows well in ordinary moist, well-drained garden soil and on dry walls. Prefers a sunny position, though it also succeeds in semi-shade. Sow seeds from February to May in situ or as soon as it is ripe and only just cover the seed. Germination is usually rapid.

Attracts butterflies.

HARVESTED: 2020

 

APPROX. 50+ SEEDS