Valeriana amurensis
P. A. Smirn. ex Kom.
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(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by V.S. Volkotrub
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Valeriana amurensis is a perennial with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. It grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline pH ranges. The plant requires full sun and prefers consistently moist soil conditions.
Description
A herb. It grows 80-150 cm tall. It has single stems. The leaves on the stems are in 5-11 pairs. The leaves are 9-12 cm long by 4-10 cm wide. They are divided into 7-10 segments. There are coarse teeth along the edge.
Edible Uses
The leaves can be eaten cooked, but are considered an emergency food used only when nothing else is available.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Known Hazards
Some caution is advised with the use of this plant. At least one member of the genus is considered to be poisonous raw and V. officinalis is a powerful nervine and sedative that can become habit-forming.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in meadows.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Korea, Manchuria, Russia,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring in a cold frame, barely covering it as light is needed for germination. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle, then plant out into permanent positions in summer if sufficient growth has been made; otherwise overwinter in a greenhouse or frame and plant out early the following summer. Divide in spring — larger divisions can go straight into permanent positions, while smaller ones are best potted up and grown on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until established, then planted out in summer or the following spring.
Other Uses
None known Special Uses
Notes
There are 250 Valeriana species. Many are in the Northern hemisphere. About 185 species occur in tropical America. Also put in the family Valerianaceae.
References (3)
- BARANOV,
- Izv. Bot. Sada Akad. Nauk S.S.S.R. 30:214. 1932
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
