*Valeriana officinalis Linnaeus. Common name: Garden-heliotrope. Phenology: May-Aug. Habitat: Roadsides and abandoned pastures, southwards rarely cultivated and escaped. Distribution: Native of Europe.
Origin/Endemic status: Europe
Synonymy ⓘ: = C, F, G, Il, K4, Mi, NE, NY, Pa. Basionym: Valeriana officinalis L. 1753
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© Erik Danielson source | Original Image ⭷
© Erik Danielson source | Original Image ⭷
© Erik Danielson source | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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Horticultural Information
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Comments: This herbaceous perennial grows up to five feet tall with sweet-scented, white to pink flowers from May to August.
Height: 3-5 ft.
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comments: This herbaceous perennial grows up to five feet tall with sweet-scented, white to pink flowers from May to August.
cultural notes: Valerian is a well-known herbal antispasmodic, calmative, and sedative when agitation is present but also a stimulant in fatigue. It is antibacterial, antidiuretic, and liver-protective. The root has an intoxicating effect on cats. It is fabled that the Pied Piper used the roots of this plant to lure the rats of Hamelin due to its affect on both rats and cats.
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native range: Europe & Asia
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