Red Valerian
Taken at Torness on 7th June 2019 using Panasonic Lumix LX5 in macro mode.
Fact File

Taken at Crail on 20th July 2021 using Nikon D500 with Sigma 600 mm zoom lens. Fact File

Foliage
Taken at Dunbar on 8th August 2017 using Pansonic Lumix LX5 in macro mode.
Fact File
Red Valerian.
Species:
Order:
Family:
Habit:
AKA:
Centranthus ruber.
Dipsacales.
Caprifoliaceae
Perennial.
Jupiter's Beard.
Habitat:
Blooms:
Feature:

Roadside, urban wasteland.
Early Summer.
Both leaves and roots can be eaten, the leaves either fresh in salads or lightly boiled, the roots boiled in soups. Opinions differ as to whether either make very good eating, however. Although it is sometimes reported to have medicinal properties, there is no basis for this view, which is almost certainly due to confusion with true valerian.