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Summary
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)-
Essential oil extracted from the leaves and root is a flavouring agent in ice cream, baked goods, condiments, and, notably, apple-flavoured products. The leaves can be used as a condiment to enhance dishes, and the plant can be brewed as an herbal tea but used in moderation. While details on its seeds are limited, seeds from other Valeriana species are often dried and consumed.
Valerian has a long history in traditional medicine and is known for its calming effects. It is a natural tranquilliser, particularly effective for those experiencing nervous tension or stress. Valerian is widely used to promote better sleep, improve sleep quality, and lower blood pressure. Internally, it is effective in treating issues like painful menstruation, cramps, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used externally for treating minor injuries, eczema, and ulcers.
Valerian roots contain active compounds called valepotriates, which have calming effects on people suffering from agitation but can also act as a stimulant in cases of fatigue. For optimal medicinal benefits, the roots of two-year-old plants are harvested in the autumn after the foliage has died back. The fresh root is much more potent than the dried version, which loses effectiveness when dried at temperatures above 82°C.
Valerian thrives in full sun and partial shade, including light woodland areas. When cultivating for its medicinal roots, prevent the plant from flowering. Valerian makes an excellent companion plant, supporting the growth of nearby plants.
Valerian’s fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing them with a good nectar source. It hosts certain moths and caterpillars, thus attracting birds and other wildlife that feed on these insects.
Valerian is native to regions in Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of western Asia, including Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Spain, and Turkey.
Harvesting: roots in autumn after the leaves have died down, while the flowers can be harvested in late spring to early summer.
Physical Characteristics
Valeriana officinalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
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 soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Valeriana baltica Pleijel. Valeriana exaltata J.C. Mikan
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses: Condiment Tea
Seed[172]. No further details are given but the seeds of other members of this genus are parched and then eaten. An essential oil from the leaves and root is used as a flavouring in ice cream, baked goods, condiments etc[183]. It is especially important in apple flavours[238]. The leaves can also be used as a condiment[61]. The plant is used in moderation as a herbal tea[183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anticonvulsant Antispasmodic Carminative Diuretic Eczema Hypnotic Nervine Sedative
Stimulant
Valerian is a well-known and frequently used medicinal herb that has a long and proven history of efficacy. It is noted especially for its effect as a tranquilliser and nervine, particularly for those people suffering from nervous overstrain[4, 222]. Valerian has been shown to encourage sleep, improve sleep quality and reduce blood pressure[254]. It is also used internally in the treatment of painful menstruation, cramps, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome etc[238, 254]. It should not be prescribed for patients with liver problems[238]. Externally, it is used to treat eczema, ulcers and minor injuries[238]. The root is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative and stimulant[4, 7, 9, 14, 21, 46, 147, 165, 192, 218]. The active ingredients are called valepotriates, research has confirmed that these have a calming effect on agitated people, but are also a stimulant in cases of fatigue[222]. The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn once the leaves have died down and are used fresh or dried[4, 9, 238]. The fresh root is about 3 times as effective as roots dried at 40° (the report does not specify if this is centigrade or fahrenheit), whilst temperatures above 82° destroy the active principle in the root[240]. Use with caution[21, 238], see the notes above on toxicity.
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Compost Essential Liquid feed Repellent
Agroforestry uses:
Valerian can be used as a companion plant due to its ability to attract beneficial insects, including pollinators. Its flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators.
The plant yields about 1% of an essential oil from the roots[7, 238]. It is used in perfumery to provide a 'mossy' aroma[57, 61, 238], though the scent is considered to be disagreeable by many people[207]. The dried roots are also placed in linen cupboards and clothes drawers in order to scent the clothes[4]. The dried root attracts rats and cats, it can be used as a bait to lure them away from other areas[100]. An ingredient of 'QR' herbal compost activator[32]. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost[K]. The plant can also be used to make a very good liquid plant feed[14, 18, 201]. It attracts earthworms[14, 18]. The leaves are very rich in phosphorus[201]. Dynamic accumulator. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Valerian flowers are rich in nectar, making them attractive to various pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – While not a primary food source for many animals, the flowers can provide some food for pollinators. The foliage can contribute to habitat, and its dense growth may offer some shelter for small wildlife.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – Valerian can provide shelter for beneficial insects. The plant can accumulate leaf litter that benefits invertebrates and may offer some overwintering sites.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
Yes – The aromatic properties of valerian may help confuse or deter certain pests, which can contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem.
Special Uses
Dynamic accumulator Food Forest Scented Plants
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1], preferring a rich heavy loam in a moist site[4, 7, 17]. Thrives in full sun or in partial shade[233], doing well in light woodland. A polymorphic species, the more extreme variations are given specific status by some botanists[17]. Valerian is often grown in the herb garden and also sometimes grown commercially as a medicinal herb[1, 200]. When grown for its medicinal root, the plant should not be allowed to flower[4]. The flowers and the dried roots have a strong smell somewhat resembling stale perspiration[245]. Cats are very fond of this plant, particularly the powdered root[1, 4, 20]. Once a cat has discovered a plant they will often destroy it by constantly rolling over it[4].The dried root also attracts rats and can be used as a bait in traps[4, 14]. A good companion for most plants. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root [2-1]. Valeriana officinalis, also known as common valerian, is self-pollinating and can self-seed. It can also spread by rhizomes and runners. The roots are typically harvested in autumn after the leaves have died down, while the flowers can be harvested in late spring to early summer.
Valerian flowers in late spring to early summer. Valerian has a moderate growth rate, typically taking a couple of years to establish fully before significant harvests can occur.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed because it requires light for germination[200]. 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.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Iran, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation (Dagestan), Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia), Russian Federation (Kurile Islands (south), Primorye, Sakhalin), China (north), Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku), Taiwan EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation-European part (European part (incl. arctic region)), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Former Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain, France, Portugal
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Botanical References
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