Red Valerian

Red Valerian has dense clusters of fragrant little funnel shaped flowers, in red, pink or white. It has greyish-green leaves in opposite pairs on upright stems.

It flowers from May to September and can be seen growing in old stone walls, roadside verges, dry banks, railway cuttings, cliffs and rocks. It is a good source of nectar for bees, butterflies and moths.

The seeds have a feathery ‘parachute’ that helps them get carried away on the wind.

Red Valerian was introduced to Britain in the 1600’s, from the Mediterranean and soon naturalised in the wild.

Commonly found in Britain, especially in south-western areas.