Valeriana edulis
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Valeriana edulis

Tobacco root · Edible valerian · Taprooted valerian

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
0
Observations
2

Description

Source: leafsnap

Valeriana edulis, the tobacco root or edible valerian, a species in the family Caprifoliaceae, is a dioecious perennial flowering plant native to western and central North America. Despite its common name, tobacco root is not closely related to tobacco, but is instead more closely related to elderberry, honeysuckle, and teasel (Caprifoliaceae s.l.).

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

Tobacco root comes from habitats with ample sunlight, such as open fields and sunlit meadows. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

Tobacco root prefers moderate temperatures, about what most people find comfortable. It grows best in conditions that are neither too warm nor too cold. The primary concern with high temperatures is the risk of sunburn, so in summer it is advisable to provide some shade to avoid overheating. When temperatures fall, Tobacco root goes dormant; if continuous growth is wanted, warmer conditions must be maintained in winter. Frost can damage the plant and should be avoided.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Tobacco root species do well with one or two uses of organic fertilizers that supply potassium and phosphorus. Apply the fertilizer before planting, work it into the soil and water thoroughly. Usually a single application is enough, but a second can be applied after seedlings have become established. Avoid overusing fertilizer, as that can damage the plants.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Valeriana
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
0.3 m to 1.22 m
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall

Tags (6)

Common Names (3)

en Tobacco root
en Edible valerian
en Taprooted valerian