Centranthus macrosiphon, Centranthus ruber.

Centranthus macrosiphon Boiss. Valerianeae. Long-Spurred Valerian.

Spain. Valerian is an annual cultivated in gardens for its handsome, rose-colored flowers and is used as a salad in some countries, notably in France. It appears to combine all that belongs to corn salad, with a peculiar slight bitterness which imparts to it a more distinct and agreeable flavor.

Centranthus ruber DC. Fox's Brush. Red Valerian.

Red Valerian is said to be eaten as a salad in southern Italy.


Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World, 1919, was edited by U. P. Hedrick.