Valeriana officinalis
Common name(s): valerian, valerian root
Description: perennial; an herb used in traditional medicine since ancient Greece and possibly earlier. Toothed green leaves with long stalks of fragrant pink to white flowers in summer.
Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.
Position: full sun and moist, well-draining soil
Uses: medicine, as a catnip alternative, to attract pollinators
Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below
Care: no special care needed, flowers stalks can be removed to encourage root growth.
Notes: we grow our valerian from a seed strain that was selected for an especially high oil content.