Patrinia scabiosifolia

Patrinia scabiosifolia is a perennial in the honeysuckle family. Gardeners also know it as eastern valerian. Its native range lies across eastern Asia. Kew records it from southeastern Siberia south to Vietnam. It also grows in Japan and the Nansei Islands. In Japan, it grows in sunny grasslands on hills and mountains. It forms clumps and spreads, with leaves gathered near ground level. The leaves die back each year.

Garden size varies between sources and growing settings. RHS gives heights of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. NC State records taller plants, reaching 6 feet [1.8 metres]. Spread reaches about 1.6–2 feet [0.5–0.6 metres]. Straight, branched stems rise above the low mound of leaves. These tall stems carry few leaves and may need support. The dark green leaves have a glossy surface. They grow in opposite pairs and have divided, lobed blades. Their edges can also have teeth. Leaves reach about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] long. NC State records yellow tones in the autumn foliage.

Small yellow flowers form loose clusters above the leaves. The clusters have flat tops, while each bloom resembles a star. Individual flowers have four or five petals. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a June to September bloom season. Other sources place flowering in summer and autumn. Bees, butterflies, and other useful insects visit the flowers. The long stems suit cutting gardens and dried flower work. The plant adds height and colour to borders and meadows. It also suits cottage gardens, group plantings, and ground cover.

Grow it in fertile soil with plenty of humus. It prefers moist soil that drains well. Full sun is the clearest choice across the sources. RHS also allows partial shade, unlike NC State's stricter sun guidance. Clay, loam, and sand can all support growth. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils are suitable. Sources rate it for USDA zones 5–8 and UK H6. Care needs are low, and routine pruning is not required. Raise new plants from seed or divide them in spring.

Slugs and snails can harm young leaves. Serious pest and disease troubles are otherwise uncommon. However, the plant can host the fungus that causes daylily rust. This can help rust spread to nearby daylilies. NC State also records resistance to deer and rabbits. Young leaves, shoot tips, and flower buds are edible. They can be cooked in soups or dried for later use. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. It also records medicinal root uses, including traditional use in Korea.