Valeriana officinalis (Common Valerian, Garden Heliotrope)


Botanical Information

FamilyValerianaceae
GenusValeriana
Speciesofficinalis
CategoryPerennials
OriginNative to Europe and western Asia.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height91 - 152 cm
Spread60 - 120 cm
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune, July

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA clumping perennial with fragrant leaves, stems, flowers and roots. It usually grows in damp locations, but can also be found in dry soils. It often grows naturally along roads or in fields.
Notable SpecimensRoyal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are odd-pinnate, each leaf having 7-10 pairs (plus terminal) of toothed, lance-shaped leaflets. They are aromatic when bruised.
Flower DescriptionShowy, fragrant flowers that are pink and white colour.

Photographs