Tuberous valerian (Valeriana tuberosa, Sp. Pl.: 33 (1753))

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 33 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Valeriana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to W. Siberia and Caucasus

Description

Tuberous valerian, scientifically known as Valeriana tuberosa, is a distinct and remarkable member of the Caprifoliaceae family. This perennial herb has gained attention due to its unique characteristics and the historical significance of its classification.

Valeriana tuberosa was first described in Carl Linnaeus’s seminal work “Species Plantarum,” completed in 1753, which marked a foundational moment in botanical nomenclature. Linnaeus’s pioneering classification continues to influence botany today, underlining the enduring legacy of this particular plant.

Native to a broad geographical range, tuberous valerian can be found flourishing in regions extending from the Mediterranean to Western Siberia and the Caucasus. The species thrives in these diverse climates, adapting remarkably to various environmental conditions. The species’ ability to grow in such a wide array of habitats speaks to its resilience and ecological versatility.

Tuberous valerian is distinguished by its tuberous roots, which are not only a key identifying feature but also contribute to its name. The plant typically bears small, delicate flowers, often exuding a subtle fragrance that is characteristic of many species within the Valeriana genus. These flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also play a role in the broader ecosystem, attracting pollinators and contributing to the plant’s reproduction.

Throughout history, plants within the Valeriana genus, including Valeriana tuberosa, have been noted for their potential medicinal properties. This interest persists, as ongoing research explores the possible health benefits and applications of various valerian species. Such properties have cemented the plant’s status in traditional practices, suggesting its value extends beyond its botanical and ecological significance.

In summary, tuberous valerian is a remarkable species with a rich historical background and a broad natural habitat. Its scientific documentation by Linnaeus, adaptability to different climates, and potential medicinal properties make it a plant of significant interest to botanists, ecologists, and herbalists alike.

Common Names

Fra: valériane tubéreuse
Ara: tizorin
Eng: tuberous valerian
Spa: valeriana menor
Ita: valeriana tuberosa
En: Tuberous Valerian
Ar: Tizorin
Fr: Valériane tubéreuse
De: Knollenwurzeliger Baldrian, Knolliger Baldrian
It: Valeriana tuberosa
Es: Valeriana menor
: Tuberous valerian

Synonyms

• Valeriana monorrhiza (Dufr.)
• Valeriana tuberosa var. ateridoi (Pau & Vidal)
• Valeriana bulbosa (Pall.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 9, 2018 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2020 by Campoamor Ramon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 3, 2021 by Françoise Bircher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2022 by vero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by Nicole Coulomb (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2018 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 10, 2011 by Tela Botanica − garcia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2021 by VINCENT JOLET (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 21, 2021 by Jaime Ghuetu (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Bojan Runtic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Julia Henning (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Barbara Kroll (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (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/4096119)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:860271-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Valeriana tuberosa L.)

Specifications

Growth