Felsschutt-baldrian (Valeriana saliunca, Fl. Pedem. 1: 3 (1785))

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Author: All.

Bibliography: Fl. Pedem. 1: 3 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Valeriana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alps, C. Appennini

Description

The Felsschutt-baldrian, known scientifically as Valeriana saliunca, is an enchanting species within the diverse Caprifoliaceae family. First described by the botanist Allioni in 1785, this resilient plant has adapted exquisitely to its mountainous habitats.

Native to the majestic regions of the Alps and Central Apennines, Valeriana saliunca thrives in rocky and scree environments, where it garners its common name, which translates to “rock rubble valerian” or “scree valerian.” This tenacious perennial is a symbol of adaptability, finding its niche in some of the most rugged terrains where few other plants can flourish.

The plant typically exhibits a rosette of basal leaves, which are finely divided and display a robust green hue, characteristic of resilient alpine flora. Come late spring and summer, Valeriana saliunca produces delicately fragrant flowers that range in color from pale pink to white, offering a subtle but stunning contrast against the often harsh and barren rockscapes it inhabits. These blossoms are crucial for local pollinators, providing a vital nectar source in challenging high-altitude environments.

As part of the Caprifoliaceae family, Valeriana saliunca shares commonalities with other members, such as simple leaves and clustered flowers, but it stands out through its specialized adaptations to alpine conditions. Botanists and plant enthusiasts appreciate this species not only for its resilience but also for its understated beauty and ecological importance in mountainous ecosystems.

Historical references to Valeriana saliunca, like those in “Flora Pedemontana” published in 1785, highlight its longstanding recognition and the continuing interest in studying and preserving such unique plant species. The enduring presence of Felsschutt-baldrian in its native regions underscores the delicate balance of alpine biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these fragile environments from the escalating impacts of climate change and human activity.

Common Names

En: Felsschutt-Baldrian, Weidenblttriger Baldrian
Fr: Valériane des débris, Valériane à feuilles de saule
De: Felsschutt-Baldrian, Felsschuttbaldrian
It: Valeriana saliunca
: Felsschutt-baldrian

Synonyms

• Valeriana supina (DC.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Samuele (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Bark

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:860155-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4096053)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Valeriana saliunca All.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]