Valeriana officinalis Valerian (Valerianaceae)

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Valeriana officinalis
Valerian
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The Valeriana officinalis plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Valerianaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Valerian.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Valeriana officinalis
Common Name:  Valerian
Family:  Valerianaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  It is said that prolonged medicinal use of this plant can lead to addiction[9]. A course of treatment should not exceed 3 months.

Mature Height:  1.5   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Grassland, scrub, woods etc, on dry or damp soils[9, 17]. Avoids acid soils.

Cultivation Notes: A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1], preferring a rich heavy loam in a moist site[4, 7, 17]. Thrives in full sun or in partial shade[233], doing well in light woodland. A polymorphic species, the more extreme variations are given specific status by some botanists[17]. Valerian is often grown in the herb garden and also sometimes grown commercially as a medicinal herb[1, 200]. When grown for its medicinal root, the plant should not be allowed to flower[4]. The flowers and the dried roots have a strong smell somewhat resembling stale perspiration[245]. Cats are very fond of this plant, particularly the powdered root[1, 4, 20]. Once a cat has discovered a plant they will often destroy it by constantly rolling over it[4].The dried root also attracts rats and can be used as a bait in traps[4, 14]. A good companion for most plants.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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