Marsh Valerian (Valeriana dioica)

Family: Valerianaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Valeriana dioica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - cooked. The odoriferous root is slowly baked for 2 days and then eaten as a vegetable, used in soups or made into a bread. Seed - parched. — The odoriferous root is slowly baked for 2 days and then eaten as a vegetable, used in soups or made into a bread.

Habitat & North American Range

Marshy meadows, fens and bogs. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)