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, 1'-4' tall forb; from a stout taproot
Leaves: opposite, thick, densely hairy; 4"-12" long, linear basal leaves usually undivided or with 2 lower lobes, the smaller stem leaves pinnately-divided
Flowers: cream, 5-parted, 1/8" long, widely-flaring, tubular shape, ; inflorescence a long, often-branched, dense cluster; blooms May-June
Habitat: wet to medium moisture; swamps, prairies
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = FACW+ Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"