common valerian
(Valeriana officinalis L.)

Overview

Appearance

Valeriana officinalis is an herbaceous perennial that grows 1.5-4 ft. (0.5-1.5 m) tall. The plant grows from a small rhizome and has fibrous roots. Stems are usually pubescent, especially at the nodes.

Foliage

The basal and stem leaves are similar and are opposite. They are pinnately divided into 11-21 lanceolate segments that have dentate margins (some are entire). As the leaves go up the stems, the petioles get shorter. The leaves often have a few hairs on the underside.

Flowers

Valeriana officinalis has fragrant, white or pale pink flowers that are arranged in umbels. Each flower measures 0.2 in. (4 mm) long. Flowers bloom from June to August.

Fruit

The fruit are small and lanceolate-oblong in shape, measuring 0.1-0.2 in.(3-5 mm) long. Seeds are wind dispersed.

Ecological Threat

Valeriana officinalis is still cultivated today for its medicinal use. This plant can grow in a variety of different habitats ranging from grasslands to wooded areas. It can tolerate a wide variety of conditions from to dry to wet soils. It is often abundant near the coast. It has been introduced on multiple occasions, frequently giving it the opportunity to escape into the natural landscape, where it displaces native plant species.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Connecticut Invasive Plant List
• Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group
• Connecticut Noxious Weeds
• Hoffman, R. & K. Kearns, Eds. 1997. Wisconsin manual of control recommendations for ecologically invasive plants. Wisconsin Dept. Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources. Madison, Wisconsin. 102pp.
• Maine Invasive Plants
• New Hampshire Invasive Plant Species Watch List
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
• Wisconsin Noxious Weeds
• Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40

References