Captiate valerian (Valeriana capitata)
Other names capitate valerian, clustered valerian, sharp-leaved valerian
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed because it requires light for germination. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out into their permanent positions in the summer if sufficient growth has been made. If the plants are too small to plant out, grow them on in the greenhouse or frame for their first winter and plant them out early in the following summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.
Edible uses
Seed - parched. Root - steamed for 24 hours.
Medicinal uses
The whole plant, but especially the root, is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative and stimulant.
Material uses
The dried root has been used as an incense.
Habitat
Boggy meadows and moist slopes in Alaska.
Native range
North-western N. America.