Photographs: Macroom, Co. Cork

Red Valerian Centranthus ruber Slán iomaire Family: Caprifoliaceae Flowering: May-September. Perennial. Introduced. Garden escape. The red, pink or white flowers are in dense, elongated terminal panicles. Blue-green or grey-green un-toothed leaves are opposite and undivided, the upper leaves stalkless. An erect, slightly fleshy, hairless plant with branched stems. Height: 40-70cm Naturalized in many parts of Ireland on dry, sunny walls, cliffs, rocks and sandy waste ground and can be locally abundant Not related to the native Common Valerian, Valeriana officinalis

Red Valerian, Centranthus ruber, Slán iomaire