Jupiter's Beard Valeriana rubra
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Centranthus ruber
- Phonetic Spelling
- va-ler-ee-AH-nuh ROO-bruh
- This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
- Description
-
Valeriana rubra, formally called Centranthus rubra is weedy wildflower in Europe, growing on chalky cliffs and stone walls. In the US, plants growing in gardens have the tendency to naturalize. After blooming, seed heads will replace the blooms. These seed heads are similar in appearance to a dandelion and are dispersed by the wind. Deadheading is necessary to prevent the spread of this invasive specimen.
In the US it can be found growing in the wild in state located along the west coast in as well as Hawaii.
Its leaves and roots are both edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or lightly boiled. The roots can be used in preparing soups.
Larvae of some Lepidoptera butterfly and moth use this plant as a food source.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious issues. Can become invasive. Aphids and mealy bugs may be bothersome. Continuously wet soil can lead to crown rot.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Albus'
White flowers. - 'Coccineus'
Long bloom period.
- 'Albus'
- 'Albus', 'Coccineus'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Albus'
White flowers. - 'Coccineus'
Long bloom period.
- 'Albus'
- 'Albus', 'Coccineus'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Valeriana
- Species:
- rubra
- Family:
- Caprifoliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Azores, S. Europe, NW. Africa
- Distribution:
- AZ, CA, HI, OR, UT, WA
- Wildlife Value:
- Bees and butterflies are attracted, as well as other insects.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Fragrance
- Edibility:
- The leaves and roots can be eaten.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Individual flowers that grow in clusters are small. The clusters are sizeable and showy. Typically found in dark red or purple-red. Occasionally, pink, lavender and white varieties can be seen.
-
-
Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The fleshy leaves form changes from the bottom of the plant to the top. The lower leaves attach to the stem via a petiolate (stalk), the upper leaves have no stalk, therefore sessile.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Protruding through the foliage, the stems stand 1.5-3' tall with clusters of flowers at the top. They are stout, shrubby at the base, hollow, and have a smooth texture.
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Rock Wall
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Edible Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Problems:
- Invasive Species
- Weedy
