When does Valeriana edulis bloom?

Valeriana edulis typically flowers from June through August, producing clusters of small pale blooms atop tall flowering stalks.

What pollinators visit Valeriana edulis?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to Valeriana edulis flowers, drawn to the clustered blooms during the summer flowering period.

What growing conditions does Valeriana edulis prefer?

This forb does best with part sun and medium moisture, often found in meadows, grasslands, and open slopes with seasonally moist soil.

Is Valeriana edulis evergreen or deciduous?

Valeriana edulis is a deciduous perennial forb. Its foliage dies back after the growing season and regrows from the root each spring.

Is Edible Valerian HOA-friendly?

Edible Valerian takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Edible Valerian

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Valeriana edulis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Valeriana edulis is a tall perennial forb with clusters of small whitish flowers from June through August. It grows in meadows and open slopes with part sun and moderate moisture.

Toxicity unknown

Edible Valerian (Valeriana edulis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago

Valeriana edulis is a native perennial forb that grows 1-4 feet tall with fragrant white or pink flower clusters that bloom throughout summer. This clump-forming plant prefers partial sun and moderate moisture, making it adaptable to various garden conditions. The aromatic foliage and showy flower heads add both fragrance and visual interest to native plantings.

Growing Edible Valerian

Grow Edible Valerian in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Edible Valerian takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Unfamiliar appearance may be seen as weedy
Can become somewhat sprawling in habit
May look untidy when not in bloom

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and beetles, providing nectar and pollen during peak growing season. The dense flower clusters make this an excellent choice for supporting local pollinators.

Common questions

When does Valeriana edulis bloom?: Valeriana edulis typically flowers from June through August, producing clusters of small pale blooms atop tall flowering stalks.
What pollinators visit Valeriana edulis?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to Valeriana edulis flowers, drawn to the clustered blooms during the summer flowering period.
What growing conditions does Valeriana edulis prefer?: This forb does best with part sun and medium moisture, often found in meadows, grasslands, and open slopes with seasonally moist soil.
Is Valeriana edulis evergreen or deciduous?: Valeriana edulis is a deciduous perennial forb. Its foliage dies back after the growing season and regrows from the root each spring.
Is Edible Valerian HOA-friendly?: Edible Valerian takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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