Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin

COMMON VALERIAN

(Valeriana edulis var. ciliata (T. & G.) Cronq.)


Common valerian

VALERIAN FAMILY (Valerianaceae)

IND. STATUS: FACW+

FIELD CHARACTERISTICS: A perennial herb 10-50 cm. tall, occasionally to 120 cm. Leaves are generally parallel-veined with a margin of dense white hairs (ciliated). The basal leaves are linear to oblanceolate, entire or with 1-2 divisions toward the base. The stem leaves are pinnately parted. The inflorescence is an elongate panicle with creamy white flowers. In flower from April to June.

ECOLOGICAL NOTES: Common valerian is characteristic of calcareous fens and calcareous wet to wet-mesic prairies. It is one of the first herbs to flower during the spring in these habitats. This valerian is listed as a threatened species by the State of Minnesota.

SOURCE: Fassett (1976); Gleason and Cronquist (1991); and Swink and Wilhelm (1994).


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