can someone help identify this......

[alanmac1984]

Hey everyone,
so last year i got a load of valerian seeds from a company on ebay.
Grew some in a pot until big enough to go outside, they have over wintered and are now about a year old however looking at pictures online of valerian i now think i dont have valerian.
Can someone please advise if
1: what i have
or
2: it is or isnt valerian
many thanks in advance

[Martin H]

Your pictures look right for the plant that I know as Valerian. It's quite common round here, grows like a weed in red, pink or white forms. The colour in the foliage on yours suggests that it will be pink or red.

But when I look at Wikipedia, it shows a Valerian plant with completely different foliage (Valeriana officinalis).

It seems that there are two completely different plants called Valerian, the one I'm familiar with is actually Centranthus ruber. That's the one you've got.

[DannyK]

I agree. Looks like what is commonly called valerian. Have lots in my garden. Useful space filler but does self seed profusely

Centranthus ruber - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[alanmac1984]

Ah ok, so its not really a medicinal plant that i have its more for eating?
Im trying to grow medicinal plants and herbs next to my fruit patch.

[Martin H]

I wouldn't eat this one. The medicinal herb is Valeriana officinalis.

[veggiechicken]

Wrong Valerian, sorry Alan.
I have "your" invasive one too.

[alanmac1984]

What a pain, loving and caring for something that i cant use lol. well its not the first time haha

[veggiechicken]

Bees like it - if that helps

Centranthus ruber Red Valerian, Fox's Brush, Jupiter's Beard PFAF Plant Database

[Nicos]

So too does the humming bird moth!
Wonderful to watch!