An herb of many names, Valerian is also historically referred to All-heal, due to it’s dried roots’ traditional use as a calming agent, as well as to treat migraine headaches. Along the way, it found it’s way from Britain and Ireland to homes, gardens and farms in the United States. Today, numerous studies add academic credence to what numerous cultures have long known.

Valerian is harbored by herbalists, but it’s also prized by pollinators. Most specifically, it is a welcoming host for parasitic wasps and our smallest bees at the outset of summer, when the presence of these organisms is specifically in need. The flowers emerge from beautiful, stalked clumps featuring deep-green, deeply lobed leaves.

Garden Heliotropes’ ability to grow well in wet soils also gives it a unique value, where-in only a limited number of pollinator-supporting plants do not do well in these soils.

Care: Valerian, as previously mentioned, enjoys moist soils. It can grow well in average soils, but should be mulched in such a case (unless you are watering very regularly). Otherwise, provide it with a moist to wet spot that drains. Any damp spot, short of featuring constant saturation, will be ideal for Valerian.

Once established, the plant should be divided about every 3 years, to maximize flowering If you’re regularly harvesting some of the root for herbal use (done in the autumn), this can be done less frequently.

There is one other key point of care for Valerian. If you live in the Midwest, it’s recommended to cut the flower heads off as they go over to seed, as Valerian is regarded as invasive in this area. It is of no threat to escape your garden or farm space if you remove the spent flower heads.

Note: Not allowed for sale to Connecticut.