Valerian
size:
60 to 120 centimeters
color:
flowers: light purple-pink to almost white
blossoms:
June through September
pollination:
by insects and wind
reproduction:
seeds
life span:
perennial
- Names:
- Dut: Echte Valeriaan
- Lat: Valeriana officinalis
- Eng: Valerian
- Fren: Valeriane officinale des collines
- Ger: Baldrian
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- Valerian, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
Valerian
Valerian is one of the best known medicinal plants. The name comes from the Latin word Valare, which refers to nerve-calming effect. The root is used as a sedative for calming nerves, hysteria, stress and even cramps. Although most people do not like the smell of the lovely clusters of flowers, the odor attracts cats. In fact, the essential oil produced in the roots is very similar to catnip. Valerian is also a food plant for various butterfly and moth larvae.
- Habitat
- Valerian, foto fitis, sytske dijksen
Valerian grows on moderately nutrient-rich damp soils, such as ditches, ponds and marshes, and in damp dune valleys. The plant is often found together with meadow-sweet, yellow herb or loosestrife and great hairy willow-herb.
See also
Info
Copyright Ecomare
