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Greek valerian Facts

Greek valerian Facts
Greek valerian, also known as Jacob's ladder, is herbaceous plant that belongs to the phlox family. It originates from the northern and central parts of Europe and northern parts of Asia, but it can be found in temperate regions around the world today. Greek valerian grows in the woodlands, scrublands and alpine meadows, usually near the streams. It prefers areas with rich, moist, well-drained soil, that provide plenty of sun (it tolerates partial shade). People cultivate Greek valerian in ornamental purposes (because of its beautiful, drooping flowers).
Interesting Greek valerian Facts:
Greek valerian has erect, diffusely branched stem that can reach 18 to 24 inches both in the height and width. It usually grows in clumps.
Greek valerian has pinnate leaves composed of 11 to 17 ovate-lanceolate leaflets. Leaves are bright green colored and alternately arranged on the stem. Some cultivated varieties of Greek valerian produce variegated (bicolored) leaves.
Leaves of Greek valerian resemble the ladders, hence the nickname Jacob's ladder.
Greek valerian produces showy, deep blue or white flowers. They are cup-shaped and arranged in loose, terminal clusters. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). Stamens (male reproductive organs) are bright yellow colored.
Greek valerian blooms from April to May. Flowers are rich source of nectar which attracts bees, butterflies and birds, main pollinators of this plant.
Fruit of Greek valerian is capsule composed of three cells. Each cells is filled with 2 to 3 seed.
Greek valerian propagates via seed and root division.
Greek valerian belongs to the group of self-sowing plants, which mean that it does not require external help for dispersal of seed.
Greek valerian is frequently cultivated in rockeries, shade gardens, woodland gardens and cottage gardens.
Greek valerian emits odor which attracts cats. Unlike cats, deer avoid Greek valerian.
Root of Greek valerian was used in treatment of dysentery, toothache and bites of snakes and insects in the ancient Greece. It was also popular and frequently used in treatment of syphilis and rabies in Europe during the 19th century. Even though it is not toxic, Greek valerian is no longer in use in herbal medicine.
Beekeepers regard Greek valerian as an excellent source of food for the honey bees. Flowers of Greek valerian are rich source of nectar that can be used for the manufacture of honey.
Flowers of Greek valerian are used for the manufacture of potpourris (mixtures of dried, fragrant plants used to provide pleasant smell in the house).
Flowers of Greek valerian can be used as a source of black pigment (they need to be boiled in the olive oil).
Greek valerian is perennial plant which means that it can survive more than 2 years in the wild.


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