Valeriana officinalis L.
Common Valerian
Common valerian is a tall, graceful native perennial found throughout much of Britain and Ireland. It forms clumps of aromatic, deeply divided foliage from which fleshy, upright stems rise to a metre or more, occasionally taller, topped in summer by rounded, branching clusters of small pink-tinged or white flowers.
About
Common valerian is a tall, graceful native perennial found throughout much of Britain and Ireland. It forms clumps of aromatic, deeply divided foliage from which fleshy, upright stems rise to a metre or more, occasionally taller, topped in summer by rounded, branching clusters of small pink-tinged or white flowers. It is a plant of damp ground, thriving in wet meadows and marshy grassland, along riverbanks and ditches, and in damp woodland and rough grassland, though it also tolerates drier conditions.
Flowering from early to late summer, the scented, nectar-rich heads are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and hoverflies, making it a valuable late-season nectar source. The root has a long history of medicinal use. Its height and airy flowerheads make it a fine choice for the back of damp borders, pond and stream margins, and tall-herb wildflower meadows, where it brings both structure and a soft, billowing texture.
Also known as
European valerian · Garden Heliotrope · Garden Valerian · Garðabrúða · Valerian
Synonyms
Valeriana exaltata · Valeriana nipponica · Valeriana officinalis angustifolia · Valeriana officinalis exaltata · Valeriana officinalis latifolia · Valeriana officinalis officinalis · Valeriana officinalis sarkayi · Valeriana officinalis simplicifolia · Valeriana sambucifolia · Veronica officinalis altissima
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.