NEN Gallery

This plant grows on old walls, rocks, waysides, cliffs. Red Valerian was introduced in the 16th century from the Mediterranean but is now naturalised in many places. It is 30-80cm tall with grey-green oval-lanceolate leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs. The flowers are in clusters and are deep pink or scarlet with a slender tube 8-10mm bearing a pointed spur 3-4mm long. The plant is sweet scented and visited by many butterflies and insects. Its leaves, although bitter, can be eaten. Picture taken August 26th at Bedford.