Marsh Valerian
Valeriana uliginosa
The roots of the Marsh Valerian contain valeric acid, which produces a scent famously described as smelling like dirty socks or wet dogs.
- Scientific name
- Valeriana uliginosa
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Dipsacales › Caprifoliaceae › Valeriana
- IUCN Red List status
- Vulnerable
- Population trend
- decreasing
- Biome
- wetland
- Habitat
- Calcareous fens, alkaline wet meadows, and northern cedar swamps.
- Diet
- Photosynthetic (sunlight, carbon dioxide, and mineral-rich groundwater).
- Range
- Michigan, New York, Vermont, Ontario, Quebec
- Size
- 30 to 100 cm in height
- Lifespan
- Perennial (5-10+ years)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat loss due to wetland drainage, changes in groundwater chemistry, and competition from invasive species like glossy buckthorn.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. Observe from a distance to avoid trampling the sensitive wetland soil. Do not pick the flowers, as this species is rare and protected in many regions. Safe to touch, but avoid disturbing the roots.
Photo: no rights reserved, CC0, via iNaturalist
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