- More than 200 species
- The best-known valerian: Valeriana officinalis
- Other valerians, which play an important role as useful plants
Valerian is a member of the honeysuckle family and is found all over the world. But which species are important, what are their characteristics and where do they come from?
The real valerian is not only healing, it also looks very appealing in the garden bed
More than 200 species
There are more than 200 species of valerian worldwide. About 20 of these species are native to Europe. Here are a few examples with their Latin name and their distribution area.
| Surname | Latin designation | Distribution area(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Real valerian | Valeriana officinalis | Europe, Asia |
| Creeping medicinal valerian | Valeriana procurrens | Germany |
| Three-leaf valerian | Valeriana tripteris | Southern Europe |
| Bulbous Valerian | Valeriana tuberosa | Southeastern Europe, Western Asia |
| Narrow-leaved valerian | Valeriana wallrothii | Germany, Austria |
| Rock Valerian | Valeriana saxatilis | Switzerland to Albania |
| mountain valerian | Valeriana montana | Central to southern Europe |
| Western Valerian | Valeriana occidentalis | USA |
| Small valerian | Valeriana dioica | Europe to Central Asia, USA, Canada |
| Sharpleaf Valerian | Valerianaacutiloba | USA |
| Headed valerian | Valeriana capitata | Alaska, Canada, Russia |
| Indian spikenard | Valeriana jatamansi | Afghanistan, India, China |
| Real Speik | Valeriana celtica | Alps |
All valerian species have the following characteristics in common, among others:
- belong to the Valerian family
- are more or less curative
- Roots smell strong
- have a sleep-inducing and relaxing effect
- contain essential oils
- contain alkaloids
The best-known valerian: Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis is also known as real valerian. It is widespread in Europe, but also occurs in Siberia, Russia, China and Japan, among others. It prefers sunny to partially shaded locations with moist soil.
Its herbaceous growth is 1 to 2 m high. The lush green, imparipinnate leaves are up to 20 cm long and consist of lanceolate individual leaves. The flowering period lasts from May to July.
Other valerians, which play an important role as useful plants
These types of valerian are also known:
- Real Speik: 15 cm high, spike-shaped flowers from June to August, yellowish to reddish brown
- Indian spikenard: up to 60 cm high, likes dry locations, pink flowers in June
- Small valerian: 35 cm high, umbrella-shaped, white to pink flower from May to June
tips
Valerian is also often referred to as cat's herb, witches' herb of Valerian.