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