Valeriana capitata — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Root, Seeds

Seeds can be parched and eaten. The root is prepared by steaming for 24 hours before eating.

Known Hazards

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant.

North America, USA,

Countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, St Vincent

How to Identify

Valeriana capitata is a perennial growing to 0.6 m tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline pH. The plant requires full sun and prefers moist or wet soil conditions.

How to Grow

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Judging by the plants native habitat, it should also succeed in wet soils.

Propagation: Sow seed in spring in a cold frame, barely covering it as light is needed for germination. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle, then plant out into permanent positions in summer if sufficient growth has been made; otherwise overwinter in a greenhouse or frame and plant out early the following summer. Divide in spring — larger divisions can go straight into permanent positions, while smaller ones are best potted up and grown on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until established, then planted out in summer or the following spring.

Medicinal Uses

The whole plant, and particularly the root, is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative and stimulant. Use with caution.

Other Uses

The dried root has been used as an incense.

Wikipedia

Valeriana capitata is a perennial growing to 0.6 m tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by insects. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline pH. The plant requires full sun and prefers moist or wet soil conditions.