Garden Heliotrope

(Valeriana officinalis)

Garden Heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as Garden Heliotrope, is a deciduous perennial herb native to damp grasslands, riverbanks, and forest clearings in Europe and Asia. It can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and features compound leaves and small, sweetly scented pink or white flowers in dense corymb inflorescences, which bloom in the summer and are highly attractive to various insect species. The plant is particularly noted for its fragrant flowers and the potential wildlife it attracts.

Garden Heliotrope is valued for its ornamental qualities and its use in traditional medicine. The root extract is known for its sedative and anxiolytic effects and has been utilized since ancient times. Additionally, the root acts as a cat attractant, similar to catnip, making it interesting for pet owners. In gardens, it is often used in borders, cottage gardens, and as a naturalized planting. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soil. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can self-seed prolifically, which may be considered invasive in some regions. Care should be taken to manage its spread to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-5 feet
  • Width: 2-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Damp grasslands, riverbanks, and forest clearings

Other Names

Common Names: Common Valerian, Garden Valerian, Garden-Heliotrope, Valerian, All-Heal, Læge-Baldrian, Echter Baldrian, Echter Arznei-Baldrian, Rohtovirmajuuri, Valériane Officinale

Scientific Names: , Valeriana officinalis, Valeriana sylvestris, Valeriana fauriei, Valeriana exaltata, Valeriana officinalis var. simplicifolia, Valeriana coreana, Valeriana tianschanica, Valeriana angustifolia, Valeriana pseudofficinalis

GBIF Accepted Name: Valeriana officinalis L.