common valerian
(Valeriana officinalis L.)

This species is Introduced in the United States

States Counties Points List Species Info

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


EDDMapS Distribution

EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org

State Regulated List

State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.

Taxonomic Rank

Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Superorder: Asteranae
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Valerianaceae
Genus: Valeriana
Valeriana officinalis L.