Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Valerianaceae ⟩ Centranthus ruber / red valerian

Centranthus ruber (L.) DC.

red valerian (Valerianaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadSlight tendencyS
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Centranthus ruber is a Mediterranean perennial herb that has become very well established in the British Isles; it grows in rocky or sandy places, especially along the coast and in urban environments.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2015-05-16

 red valerian / Centranthus ruber: _Centranthus ruber_ is a Mediterranean perennial herb that has become very well established in the British Isles; it grows in rocky or sandy places, especially along the coast and in urban environments.

The flowers of Centranthus ruber have a single stamen each, in contrast to the 3 stamens of Valeriana species.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2015-05-16

 red valerian / Centranthus ruber: The flowers of _Centranthus ruber_ have a single stamen each, in contrast to the 3 stamens of _Valeriana_ species.

The fruits of Centranthus ruber are readily carried by the wind, allowing it to easily spread along roads and railways.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2015-07-01

 red valerian / Centranthus ruber: The fruits of _Centranthus ruber_ are readily carried by the wind, allowing it to easily spread along roads and railways.

White-flowered plants are not uncommon.

Aston Cross (VC33: East Gloucestershire); 2020-06-20

 red valerian / Centranthus ruber: White-flowered plants are not uncommon.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne