Valeriana capitata

Pall.

Valerian, Capitate Valerian, Clustered Valerian

Caprifoliaceae Edible: Root, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 1,212 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

iNaturalist· cc-by

Summary

Valeriana capitata is a perennial growing to 0.6 m tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline pH. The plant requires full sun and prefers moist or wet soil conditions.

Description

Edible Uses

Seeds can be parched and eaten. The root is prepared by steaming for 24 hours before eating.

Medicinal Uses

The whole plant, and particularly the root, is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative and stimulant. Use with caution.

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.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Judging by the plants native habitat, it should also succeed in wet soils.

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.