zondag 21 augustus 2011

Under what name? [Red Valerian]



Just returned from a brief visit to the botanical garden of the Utrecht University and spotted, I think, a plant that is also a colourful local weed. Do you now it's name?

Yes you do! This weed is Red Valerian, a plant Wikipedia describes as a popular garden plant originating from the Mediterranean but which has gone feral across the world, like hollyhock.

Is it palatable or only merely edible (as in non-poisonous)? "Both leaves and roots can be eaten, the leaves either fresh in salads or lightly boiled, the roots boiled in soups. Opinions differ as to whether either make very good eating, however. Although it is sometimes reported to have medicinal properties, there is no basis for this view, which is almost certainly due to confusion with true Valerian." 

4 opmerkingen:

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centranthus_ruber

    ?

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
  2. There are several different species in the photo but the pink flower looks like it could be Willowherb (Epilobium spp.).

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
  3. Closer inspection Joe Pye Weed. Eupatorium spp.

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
  4. A poem from Fanghui 1082

    Climb Yellow Tower
    Gaze to Huangzhou;
    To Huangzhou you gaze but cannot see,
    below the Tower water eastward flows,
    Water Flows, how can it be stayed?
    Floating clouds, even more far reaching.
    Wounded at heart, a traveler by the marshes,
    haggard in Chu Eupatorium autumn.

    From Stuart Howard Sargent's "Poetry of He Zhu (1052-1125)'

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen