Scientific name: Valeriana officinalis
Family: CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Common names: “Valerian” “garden heliotrope” “All heal”
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 4-7
Light: Full sun
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Average – rich loam
Moisture: Moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 3-5′ W 2-4′
Leaf and Stem shape: Odd pinnate toothed lance shaped leaves, aromatic when bruised
Flower: Cymes of white – pale pink fragrant flowers, in branched panicles
Maintenance: Low, flowers can be deadheaded to prevent self seeding,
Landscape use: Mixed border, herb garden, cottage, cut flower
Propagate: By seed and division
Pests & Disease: Nothing serious
Comments: Can become a bit invasive with spreading rhizomes and self-seeding, the drug valerian is extracted from the roots and has been used for centuries to treat a large number of problems, extracts can also be used in perfumes, tea, and food flavoring
Vancouver Island Grows 