ExplorePlants

Red Valerian

Centranthus ruber

Red Valerian is a bright pink flower that loves to grow in sunny places. It attracts butterflies and bees, making gardens colorful and lively!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Red Valerian is a robust plant with dense clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are typically vibrant magenta-red, though sometimes pink or white. Its grey-green, slightly fleshy leaves provide a striking contrast to the cheerful blooms.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderDipsacalesFamilyCaprifoliaceaeGenusCentranthus
Red Valerian
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
Red Valerian

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 ยท Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Even its young leaves can be added to salads for a fresh, unique taste!

It's also called 'Kiss-me-quick' because its flowers are so charming!

This plant is a favorite 'fast-food stop' for speedy Hummingbird Hawk-moths!

You can sometimes spot its cheerful blooms growing right out of old stone walls!

Special abilities

Ability

Rooted in Rock

Red Valerian can grow directly from cracks in walls and rocks, thanks to strong roots that find moisture in tough spots.

Ability

Nectar Spur Power

This plant has a long nectar spur on each flower to attract long-tongued insects like hummingbirds and hawk-moths, ensuring pollination.

Ability

Self-Seeding Spreader

Red Valerian can drop many seeds around itself, helping it quickly colonize new patches of ground.

Ability

Drought Defender

Its slightly succulent leaves help Red Valerian store water, allowing it to thrive in dry, sunny conditions.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from flowers.

pollinates

Painted Lady Butterfly

Vanessa cardui

Sips nectar from the flowers.

pollinates

Hummingbird Hawk-moth

Macroglossum stellatarum

Its long proboscis reaches deep into nectar spurs.

Traits

Also known as

Jupiter's Beard

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 ยท Very low

Always wash your hands after touching plants, just to be safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Red Valerian?

The easiest way to identify Red Valerian is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is Red Valerian?

30-90 cm

How wide does Red Valerian spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on Red Valerian?

0.5-1 cm

When does Red Valerian bloom?

Late spring to fall

Is Red Valerian edible?

Yes

Is Red Valerian toxic?

None

What is Red Valerian's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

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Mount Baker Park

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Lake Washington Boulevard

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"scenic Views", "picnic Area", "family Friendly", "sunset Spot", "birdwatching", "walking Paths", "nature Escape", "playground"

You might spot Arctic Butterbur, Red Valerian, and American Brooklime.

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