Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
Family: CaprifoliaceaeNative: Europe and AsiaIdentified: Sep 7, 2025
Valerian is an herbaceous perennial plant growing to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall. It features deeply divided leaves and clusters of small, fragrant pink or white flowers. The plant in the image shows a developing flower head at the top, consistent with Valerian before full bloom, and its basal leaves appear to be simple-lobed, typical of younger plants or those with varying leaf forms.
Learn more about Valerian in the encyclopedia →Care instructions
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's relatively low-maintenance, requiring moderate watering, especially during dry periods. Valerian can spread readily from seeds, so deadhead flowers if you want to prevent self-seeding. It can be grown in gardens or pots.