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Common Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
Easy · Beginner friendlyAbout Common Valerian
Valeriana officinalis, valerian, is a hardy perennial of Europe and northern Asia with pinnate leaves and domed clusters of small, sweetly fragrant white to pale pink flowers. The dried root, by contrast, has a powerful earthy odor often compared to old socks, a scent cats may find fascinating. Valerian grows 1-1.5 meters tall in moist fertile soil and sun to partial shade, spreading by rhizomes and self-seeding. In ornamental plantings it works as a back-of-border herb that feeds butterflies and moths. The root has a long history in European herbal practice and has been studied for compounds that interact with calming neurotransmitter pathways, but using it as medicine requires care. As a garden plant, it is vigorous, fragrant in flower, and historically rich.
- Medicinal
- Fragrant
- Cold-hardy
- Pollinator-friendly
How to care for Common Valerian
Watering
- Springevery 3 days
- Summerevery 2 days
- Fallevery 4 days
- Winterevery 7 days
Soil · Well-draining
- Top dressingPine bark mulch10%
- Main mixPotting soil + perlite 2:170%
- DrainageLECA / gravel20%
Never skip the drainage layer — standing water is the top cause of root rot.
FERTILIZER
Balanced Feed 14-14-14
An even feed covers all three needs at once, keeping leaves, roots and blooms moving together with nothing pushed out of balance.
- Nitrogen · Leaves
- Phosphorus · Roots + Blooms
- Potassium · Strength
- Springevery 30 days
- Summerevery 30 days
- Fallevery 45 days
At a Glance
- NativeEurope, Western Asia
- Height3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m)
- Spread2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m)
- Flower colorPink, White
- Foliage colorGreen
- SoilMoisture-retentive, Loamy, Rich
- LocationsYard
Bloom time
BLOOM CYCLE
Peak bloom
Jun–Aug
Remove flower stems to direct energy into root growth if harvesting medicinally; otherwise enjoy the fragrant blooms.
Fragrance
MODERATE FRAGRANCE
Flowers vanilla-sweet; dried root has notoriously unpleasant earthy-sweaty aroma.
Toxicity
Humans Slight · Dogs Slight
valerenic acid and valepotriates
Slight
- Root
- Ingestion
EXPOSURE Eating roots.
EFFECT Occasional headache or GI upset and rare paradoxical stimulation.
NOTE Generally regarded as safe; avoid combining with alcohol or sedatives.
Slight
- All
- Ingestion
EXPOSURE Eating any part of the plant.
EFFECT Sedative effect possible.
NOTE Generally regarded as safe; avoid combining with alcohol or sedatives.
Safe
EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.
EFFECT Cats have euphoric response similar to catnip.
NOTE Listed as non-toxic for cats; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.
Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
DISTRIBUTION
- Native
- Introduced
- Europe
- Western Asia
History
Valeriana officinalis is native to Europe and western Asia. Hippocrates (5th century BCE) described its use, and Dioscorides and Galen prescribed it for insomnia and anxiety. The name may derive from Latin "valere" (to be strong) or from a Roman official named Valerius.
Medieval Europeans called it "all-heal" and used it for epilepsy, wounds, and plague. During World War I and World War II, British troops received valerian to calm the nerves caused by air raids and shell shock. Cats are strongly attracted to valerian root (it produces a catnip-like response in some individuals), and rats also find it irresistible — legend connects the Pied Piper of Hamelin's rat-luring abilities to valerian.
Modern phytochemistry identifies valerenic acid and valepotriates as sedative-hypnotic compounds acting through GABA-A receptors. Valerian root extract is a major commercial herbal sleep aid, with controlled clinical trials broadly supporting mild benefit for insomnia. Hippocrates described valerian as a remedy for insomnia in the 4th century BC. During the London Blitz, valerian tincture was distributed to civilians sheltering in Underground stations. It remains a top-selling herbal sleep aid worldwide.
Symbolism & meaning
What It Symbolizes
Valerian is divided between sweetness and earth. The summer flowers smell light and pleasant, while the dried roots carry a much stronger animal gravity that cats famously notice. Its symbolism is hidden depth: a graceful perennial whose most powerful presence is below the surface.
- Tranquility — As the premier herbal sedative for millennia, valerian symbolizes deep calm and restful peace
- Strength — Its Latin root 'valere' connects it to vigour and the power to heal
Where the Name Comes From
Valeriana possibly comes from Latin 'valere' (to be strong or healthy), reflecting its old herbal reputation; 'officinalis' denotes apothecary recognition.
Uses & Fun Facts
- Roots prepared as classic herbal sleep and calming remedy
- Pale flowers carry sweet vanilla scent in summer evenings
- Flat blooms feed butterflies, bees, and beneficial flies
Related plants
Plants with similar care
Chinese AbeliaAbelia chinensis
Fragrant AbeliaAbelia mosanensis
Large-Flowered AbeliaAbelia uniflora
Glossy AbeliaAbelia x grandiflora
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Common Valerian?
In summer, water about every 2 days; in winter, about every 7 days. Adjust for heat, pot size and drainage.
How much light does Common Valerian need?
Full sun: 6+ hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.
Is Common Valerian toxic to cats or dogs?
Pets Slight (Dogs Slight · Cats Safe) Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
Is Common Valerian easy to grow?
Yes — it is considered an easy, beginner-friendly plant.
When does Common Valerian bloom?
It typically blooms Jun–Aug in the Northern Hemisphere.
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