How to Grow and Care for Valeriana

Valerian gets its name from the Latin term 'valere' (meaning 'healthy') since its extracts were believed to be useful. For gardening purposes, the plant is often grown as an ornamental or perennial herb. Valerian was likely brought to North America for use in gardens, but it escaped and is now an invasive weed.

The mountain valerian is a perennial herbaceous plant (hemicryptophyte). From a weakly woody, up to 15 cm long base axis, in addition to sterile leaf rosettes, there are usually clearly polygonal stems with growth heights between 30 cm and 60 cm . The opposite leaves are undivided and ovate to lanceolate, less often the upper leaves are three-lobed.

Shortspur seablush (Valeriana congesta subsp. congesta) is a member of the honeysuckle family. Another name for it is rosy plectritis. It’s a species that’s indigenous to western North America. You’ll find it flourishing along sandy seashores, sunny meadows, and freshwater marshes.

Marsh valerian is a perennial herb noted for having its male and female flowers on separate plants. This is a wildflower that can be mistaken for Common Valerian, despite being shorter with deeper-colored flowers. Its Latin name Valeriana dioica comes from "valere," which means "to be healthy," while "dioica" means "two houses," referring to two separate plants each producing flowers of different sex.

Valeriana flaccidissima features delicate, small pink or white flowers that bloom atop slender stems. Its foliage is typically deep green, with lance-shaped leaves that may appear slightly wilted, giving the plant a characteristically lax posture. Thriving in moist, well-drained soils, valeriana flaccidissima often flourishes in shaded areas, nature's preservation against harsh sunlight. This perennial herb is sought after for its potential soothing properties and fragrant roots.