Valerian, All-heal, Garden Heliotrope
Valeriana officinalis
Family: Caprifoliaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1.2-1.8 m high. It spreads 40-80 cm wide. The stem is erect, hollow, hairy and angular. The leaves are in pairs, united at the base and deeply divided. There are 7-20 sword shaped leaflets. These are serrated around the edge. The flowers are in heads 5-10 cm wide. They are pinkish white and have a musk scent.
There are about 200 Valeriana species. Used as a medicine. They have also been put in the family Valerianaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It does best in rich, moist soils. It needs a protected, sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. In Hobart Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 3-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andorra, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Belarus, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, Europe (country/location of origin), Georgia, Germany, India, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, North America, Norway, Romania, Russia, Scandinavia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Taiwan, Tasmania, Tibet, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten as greens. The leaves are dried and used for tea. The flowers are used for flavouring sauces. The seeds are edible. The root extract and essential oil are used to flavour ice cream, baked goods and drinks. It is used for flavouring rootbeer.
It is sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Seeds, herb, root, leaves, leaves - tea, flowers - flavouring
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or by division.
Its other names
Local names
Baldrijan, Katvakhot, Kediotu, Legevendelrot, Palderjan, Zdravilna špajka