Valerian (Common Valerian, True Valerian, Garden Valerian, Garden Heliotrope)

• Common Name: Valerian (Common Valerian, True Valerian, Garden Valerian, Garden Heliotrope)
• Latin Name: Valeriana officinalis
• Family Name: Valerianaceae

This medicinal plant has long been used in sedatives, and as a tranquilliser and therefore should be avoided.  It also has some diuretic properties.

There is a variety that has a pink flower.

Not to be confused with Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber), which is safe to eat and Heliotrope and Winter Heliotrope which are different plants and not safe to eat.