Mountain Valerian
Valeriana uliginosa
Family: Valerianaceae
What it is like
Valeriana uliginosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Calcareous swamps and wet woods, especially with larix and thuja species.
Eastern N. America - Quebec to New York and Michigan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is analgesic, antispasmodic. It is used in the treatment of cramps, menopausal problems, headaches, sore throats and coughs. Large doses of the plant cause mental stupor. A poultice of the crushed root has been applied to cuts and wounds.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
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 should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed because it requires light for germination. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions in the summer if sufficient growth has been made. If the plants are too small to plant out, grow them on in the greenhouse or frame for their first winter and plant them out early in the following summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist, wet
Things to keep in mind
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.