Red Valerian, Fox's Brush, Jupiter's Beard

Centranthus ruber

Physical Characteristics

Centranthus ruber is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Hedgerow; Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked as greens[2, 5, 52, 115]. Exceedingly good, either in salads or cooked as a vegetable[4]. This differs from our own experience, whilst the leaves can be added to salads they are rather bitter and rather less than desirable[8, 183, K]. Root - cooked[4]. Used in soups[4].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany Nervine 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[244, 268]. The plant is nervine[148]. This report possibly confuses this plant with the true valerian, Valeriana officinalis, which is a very effective nervine.

Known Hazards

None known