Etymology: Valeriana: a medieval Latin name either referring to the Roman emperor or to the word valere, "to be healthy and strong" from its use as a folk medicine in the treatment of nervousness and hysteria
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-5' tall forb; stems hairy but mostly at the nodes; from short rhizomes
Leaves: opposite; basal and stem leaves divided into 11-21 toothed, lance-like segments
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/8" long, narrowly flaring, tubular shape, ; inflorescence a large, opened, branched cluster; blooms May-Aug.
Habitat: disturbed areas
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; potentially invasive

WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Purple Sage - Ethnobotanical Information: Detailed usage, preparation, and other helpful information Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"