Short Description
The common valerian can grow up to two metres high.
A leaf consists of several leaflets and a terminal leaflet (pinnate). The leaflets are oval and have finely serrated margins. The leaves are opposite each other on the stem.
The stem grows erect. It is grooved.
The flowers are funnel-shaped with five tips pointing outwards. They are light pink or, more rarely, white. They are in umbrella-shaped, dense inflorescences at the end of the stem.
The fruits are small nuts with a feathery crown of hairs.
Features
Common valerian
Valeriana officinalis
umbrella-shaped, dense inflorescences
stem furrowed
In the city
Common valerian prefers moist, base-rich soils and often grows in the city on damp meadows, in forests or on riverbanks. It is frost-resistant and thrives in sun or partial shade in almost any soil.
Fun Facts
When the roots dry, they produce a penetrating smell. It resembles that of cats in heat, which is why male cats are strongly attracted to it.
The flowering period is from May to August.
It lives for several years and generally flowers and fruits annually (perennial plant).
- Endangerment level Germany: not endangered
The valerian is native to Europe.
The roots are used as a tea or tincture for nervousness, mild insomnia and nervous heart disorders.
Sources
Habitus, H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Valeriana_officinalis_001.JPG
Blütenstand, H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Valeriana_officinalis_002.JPG
Habitus, Burkhard Mücke, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Valeriana_officinalis_Echter_Baldrian.jpg
Kammer, P. M. (2016) Pflanzen einfach bestimmen. Schritt für Schritt einheimische Arten kennenlernen, Bern: Haupt Verlag.
Schönfelder, I. & Schönfelder, P. (2010) Der Kosmos-Heilpflanzenführer. Über 600 Heil- und Giftpflanzen Europas, Stuttgart: Franckh Kosmos Verlag.
Spohn, M., Golte-Bechtle, M. & Spohn, R. (2015) Was blüht denn da? Stuttgart: Franckh Kosmos Verlag.
Page „Echter Baldrian“. : Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Date of last revision: 07.04.2018, 16:22 UTC. URL: https://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Echter_Baldrian&oldid=176234482 (Accessed: 12.04.2018).
Bundesamt für Naturschutz (n.d.) Artensteckbriefe, URL: http://floraweb.de/pflanzenarten/artenhome.xsql?suchnr=6178& (Accessed: 12.04.2018).