Greek Valerian

Greek Valerian
A genus of 25 species of rhizomatous and clump-forming perennials, and spreading annuals, often with unpleasant-smelling foliage. They occur in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, mainly in N America, but also in southern S America, and Asia. Most have blue or white, saucer shaped flowers. Polemonium caeruleum is a variable species, widely grown in borders and wild flower meadows. The less vigorous P. reptans is also popular as a border perennial, with cultivars in shades of blue and pink. Both P. caeruleum and P. reptans are often called "Greek valerian", though they are not related to true valerian (Valeriana officinalis, See Valerian) and have quite different medicinal properties. The plants do, however, attract cats, which roll in them with evident pleasure. In ancient Greek times P. caeruleum was prescribed in wine for dysentery, toothache, and poisonous bites. It passed into various European pharmacopoeias as herba valerianae graeca, and was used mainly for rabies and syphilis. Being ornamental and easily grown, P. caeruleum and P. reptans are often planted in herb gardens, though they are seldom used for medicinal purposes today.

Upright, clump-forming perennial with arching, pinnate leaves, to 12cm (5in) long, divided into 19-27 oblanceolate leaflets, to 4cm (1½in) long. Blue (rarely white) flowers, to 2.5cm (1in) across, are produced in lax clusters in late spring and summer.

Common Name:

Greek Valerian

Other Names:

Jacob's Ladder, Charity

Botanical Name:

Polemonium caeruleum

Genus:

Polemonium

Family:

Polemoniaceae

Native Location:

N and C Europe, N Asia

Cultivation:

Moist soil in sun or partial shade. Polemonium caeruleum tolerates alkaline conditions; P. reptans prefers rich soil. Cut back flower stems to base after flowering, unless seed is required.

Propagation:

By seed sown in autumn or spring; by division in spring. Cultivars may not come true from seed. Polemonium caeruleum may self-seed excessively in optimum conditions.

Harvest:

Plants (P. caeruleum) are cut in summer for infusions. Rhizomes (P. reptans) are lifted in winter and dried for use in decoctions and tinctures.

Variations:

f. album
syn. Album
Has white flowers.

Blanjou
syn. Brise d´Anjou
Has white-variegated leaves.

Height:

30-90cm (12-36in)

Width:

30cm (12in)

Hardiness:

Z3-9

Parts Used:

Whole plant.

Properties:

A slightly bitter, odorless, astringent herb that increases perspiration.

Medicinal Uses:

Formerly used internally for a range of conditions, from headaches to fevers and epilepsy.

Bibliography: