Abcess Root, Greek valerian
Polemonium reptans

Family: Polemoniaceae

What it is like

Polemonium reptans is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Rich woods, damp ground and along shady river banks.

Eastern N. America - New York to Minnesota, south to Kansas and Georgia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The dried roots have a slightly bitter and acrid taste. They are alterative, astringent, diaphoretic, expectorant and pectoral. They can be used in an infusion with water or as a tincture with alcohol. They are used internally in the treatment of coughs, colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, tuberculosis, feverish and inflammatory diseases, including skin conditions and poisonous bites. The root is rarely used in modern herbalism. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Other

Rating: 1

A decoction of the whole plant is used as a hair rinse.

Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.

How it is grown

Prefers a moist well-drained fertile soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants are best grown in a soil approaching that of a moraine and they must not be allowed to dry out in the summer. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. A number of named varieties have been selected for their ornamental value. Plants have a creeping root and can multiply very quickly. They can also self-sow to the point of nuisance. The plants have a smell that attracts cats. The cats roll in the plants with evident pleasure and can cause considerable damage to young plants and ones that have recently been moved.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring or early autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. humile. Salisb.