Pyrenean valerian (Valeriana pyrenaica, Sp. Pl.: 33 (1753))

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 33 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Valeriana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Pyrenees to NW. Spain (Cord. Cantabrica)

Description

Pyrenean valerian, scientifically known as Valeriana pyrenaica, is a notable species within the Caprifoliaceae family. This plant was first described in Carl Linnaeus’s pivotal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, establishing its position in botanical literature.

Natively, the Pyrenean valerian thrives in the mountainous regions stretching from the Pyrenees to the northwestern parts of Spain, specifically within the Cordillera Cantábrica. This habitat preference underscores its adaptation to cooler, high-altitude environments.

Recognized for its delicate pink to pale purple flowers, Pyrenean valerian adds a touch of natural beauty to the rugged landscapes it inhabits. The plant typically blooms in the late spring to early summer, producing small, fragrant flowers that attract various pollinators. Its foliage is also of interest, with basal leaves forming a rosette and stem leaves arranged oppositely along the flowering stalk.

Valeriana pyrenaica plays a role in traditional herbal medicine, similar to its relatives within the Valerianaceae subfamily. While it may not be as extensively used as Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as garden valerian, Pyrenean valerian shares some of its sedative properties and has been utilized in local medicinal practices.

Conservation efforts for Pyrenean valerian necessitate attention due to its specific and limited habitat range. Protecting the mountainous regions where it naturally grows is crucial for ensuring the survival of this unique plant species.

In summary, Pyrenean valerian is a botanically significant plant known for its aesthetic appeal and presence in specific European mountainous regions. Valeriana pyrenaica embodies both ecological value and cultural heritage, deserving appreciation and protection.

Common Names

Eng: pyrenean valerian, pyranean valerian
Deu: pyrenäen-baldrian
Swe: pyreneisk vänderot
Cym: triaglog pyreneaidd, triaglog y pyreneau
En: Pyrenean Valerian, Pyranean Valerian, Heart-leaved Valerian
Ca: Valeriana pirinenca
Nl: Pyreneese Valeriaan
Fr: Valériane des Pyrénées
De: Pyrenäen-Baldrian, Pyrenäische Baldrian
Sv: Pyreneisk vänderot
Cy: Triaglog Pyreneaidd, Triaglog y Pyreneau
: Pyrenean valerian

Synonyms

Distribution

• France (native)
• Spain (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 27, 2021 by Céline Gouzon (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2019 by Photi Gule (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2019 by Casas Juan Miguel (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2020 by Frances Bennett (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1991 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Fruit

Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Albert Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4095186)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:860103-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Valeriana pyrenaica L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 4