Valerian, Captiate valerian

Valeriana capitata

Physical Characteristics

Valeriana capitata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

North-western N. America.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seed Edible Uses: Seed - parched[172]. Root - steamed for 24 hours[172].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Carminative Diuretic Hypnotic Nervine Sedative Stimulant The whole plant, but especially the root, is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative and stimulant[172]. Use with caution[21].

Known Hazards

Some caution is advised with the use of this plant. At least one member of the genus is considered to be poisonous raw[161] and V. officinalis is a powerful nervine and sedative that can become habit-forming.