Valerian

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

 

Perennial herb with white or pink umbrellous flowers.  Blooms in late Spring into early Summer.  Dies back to the ground in hot weather.  Thrives in full sun, rich well drained soil.

Form:

up to 6' tall

4' around herbaceous shrub

Growing:

 Can be cut back several times a year.  This is often done to encourage larger roots.

Seed saving:

Tiny seeds fall when the flowers dry.  Use a fine mesh or paper bag tied over the mature flower to collect them.

Permaculture uses:

Attracts beneficial insects

Herbal medicine, sedative

Understory fruit guild plant

Dynamic accumulator for Silicon

Needs:

Sunlight

Water

Soil

Products:

Leaves
      Chop and drop mulch

Flowers

Pollen

Seeds

Roots

      Used as sedative

 Link to Wikipedia- Valerian