Valeriana
Quick Summary
Valeriana is a genus of plants within the family Caprifoliaceae, containing about 200 species of annual and perennial herbs. The most well-known species is common valerian (V. officinalis), which can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and is native to Eurasia, with naturalized populations in North America.12
Common valerian has divided leaves and produces small, sweet-smelling pinkish-white flowers. Its roots are used to extract a spicy perfume and are also a source of sedatives and carminatives. Other genera within the Valerianoideae subfamily include Valerianella, known for species like lamb's lettuce used in salads, and ornamental plants such as red valerian (Centranthus ruber).1
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CaprifoliaceaeMajor genera and speciesThe closely related genera Valeriana (about 200 species) and Valerianella (80 species) are distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and in Andean South America. They are characterized by the rank odour of their stems and leaves when dried. Several species are important in traditional herbal medicine.
Read MoreThe closely related genera Valeriana (about 200 species) and Valerianella (80 species) are distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and in Andean South America. They are characterized by the rank odour of their stems and leaves when dried. Several species are important in traditional herbal medicine.
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ValerianoideaeThe largest genus, Valeriana, contains about 200 species and is best known for common valerian (V. officinalis), occasionally as tall as 1.5 metres (5 feet). The species is native to Eurasia and is naturalized in North America, where other members of the genus are native. It has divided…
Read MoreThe largest genus, Valeriana, contains about 200 species and is best known for common valerian (V. officinalis), occasionally as tall as 1.5 metres (5 feet). The species is native to Eurasia and is naturalized in North America, where other members of the genus are native. It has divided…
Read More