| | 1. Perennial; calyx lobes rolled inward, becoming plumose, pappus-like in fruit |
| |
| | 2. Stamen 1; corolla generally purplish red, long-spurred; cauline leaves entire |
| CENTRANTHUS (no key) |
| | 2' Stamens 3; corolla white or pink, throat swollen at base, spur 0; cauline leaves pinnately lobed |
| VALERIANA |
| | 1' Annual; calyx generally 0 |
| |
| | 3. Stem simple or unequally branched; ovary 1-chambered; corolla generally spurred |
| PLECTRITIS |
| | 3' Stem equally and repeatedly forked; ovary 2–3-chambered; corolla throat ± swollen at base, spur 0 |
| VALERIANELLA (no key)
|