Family: Caprifoliaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 32 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Valeriana
Vegetable: False
Observations: EC. Spain to E. Carpathians and S. Italy
Description
Dwarf valerian, scientifically known as Valeriana montana, is a captivating perennial herb notable for its delicate beauty and medicinal significance. It finds its roots in the Caprifoliaceae family, which encompasses a diverse range of flowering plants.
First described by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, Valeriana montana is listed in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” where it holds a revered place in botanical literature. The plant’s ecological range is quite extensive, predominantly spanning from Eastern Spain through to the Eastern Carpathians and reaching as far south as Italy.
In its natural habitat, the Dwarf valerian thrives in mountainous regions, where it has adapted to the diverse environmental conditions. Its alpine origins confer it a resilience and a preference for well-drained soils, often found in rocky landscapes and meadows at higher altitudes. This herbaceous plant reaches modest heights, forming low-growing rosettes that are punctuated by clusters of small, but intricately structured flowers. These blossoms, typically white to pale pink, appear in late spring to early summer, adding a splash of subtle color to the highland flora.
Despite its common name, the Dwarf valerian should not be underestimated. It shares a genus with its more well-known relative, Valeriana officinalis, which is famed for its sedative properties. While Valeriana montana may not be as widely recognized in herbal medicine, various studies and traditional practices suggest that it may possess similar therapeutic qualities. For centuries, local populations within its native range have utilized this plant for its potential relaxing and stress-relieving effects.
The beauty and resilience of Valeriana montana make it a precious species not only for those who appreciate alpine flora but also for conservationists who strive to preserve the biological diversity of mountainous regions. It represents both the fragility and the strength of high-altitude ecosystems.
In summary, the Dwarf valerian (Valeriana montana) is more than just an ornamental plant; it is a symbol of the rich biodiversity that graces the mountainous terrains of Europe. Its intricate blooms and potential medicinal properties underscore its significance throughout its native range, from Eastern Spain to the reaches of Southern Italy and the Eastern Carpathians.
Common Names
Deu: berg-baldrian
Swe: bergvänderot
En: Dwarf Valerian, Mountain Valerian
Ca: Valeriana muntanyenca
Nl: Bergvaleriaan, Montaan Valeriaan
Fr: Valériane des montagnes
De: Berg-Baldrian, Berg Baldrian
It: Valeriana montana
Sv: Bergvänderot
: Dwarf valerian
Synonyms
- Valeriana rotundifolia (Vill.)
- Valeriana montana subsp. ambigua ((Gren. & Godr.) Arcang.)
- Valeriana ambigua (Beck)
- Valeriana alpigena (Schur)
- Valeriana montana var. rotundifolia ((Vill.) Mutel)
- Valeriana montana var. ambigua (Gren. & Godr.)
- Valeriana montana subsp. hirsuticaulis (E.Walther)
- Valeriana montana subsp. cuspidata (Arcang.)
- Valeriana montana var. minor (Rouy & E.G.Camus)
- Valeriana montana var. scrophulariifolia ((Pourr.) Merino)
- Valeriana montana var. valentina (Pau)
- Valeriana scrophulariifolia (Pourr.)
- Valeriana rotundifolia var. tripartita (Gamisans)
- Valeriana montana subsp. nemorensis (F.Martini & Soldano)
- Valeriana montana var. tarraconensis (Pau ex O.Bolòs & Vigo)
- Valeriana cuspidata (Bertol. ex DC.)
- Valeriana montana var. ternata (Mutel)
- Valeriana sternbergii (Beck)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 14, 2022 by Nicolas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 18, 2020 by Charles Petit (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2018 by Daniele Boggiani (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 23, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2020 by gebhard stefl (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2022 by Annick Thiaudière (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 5, 2021 by eggersue (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jun 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean MAURE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7735944)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:859983-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Valeriana montana L.)