Description
Botanical Information: Valerian
Valerian is a herbaceous perennial with bright green, feathery leaves. Reaching heights of up to 1.5 metres, valerian sports white or lilac tinged flowers in several flowers. After the plants flower in summer, the seeds develop armed with a feathery pappus of hairs, like a parachute. Alongside wind-aided seed dispersal, valerian can also spread through rhizomes and runners.
Habitat
The growth form of valerian can vary depending on which habitat type it is in, plants in wet areas grow much taller than those growing in dry soil. It is found growing in a wide range of habitats, including; meadows, woodland edges and along riverbanks. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight, but it is good at adapting.
Benefits to Wildlife
Valerian is visited by butterflies and moths, who are the main pollinators of the plant. It is also known to be used by short-tongued insects such as caddis-flies and craneflies, who will bore a hole into the corolla tube to access the nectar within. The larvae of the Valerian Pug moth exclusively feed on the developing seeds and flowers of valerian plants.
Conservation Status in the UK
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, valerian is widespread across the UK. However, due to increased drainage, habitat destruction and undergrazing, declines of valerian have taken place since the 1960s.
Ease of Growing
Simply plant your valerian in a sheltered area of your garden which has full to partial sun exposure. It likes soil which is moist but well drained, so make sure to keep it watered.
More Information
Species From the Same Habitat
Scarlet Pimpernel | Lysimachia arvensis
Small Scabious | Scabiosa columbaria
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