Valeriana celtica aka Celtic Valerian

Valeriana celtica is a small perennial in the Caprifoliaceae family. The RHS lists nard and spike as common names. It comes from the Alps, where it grows in temperate conditions. Its listed range includes Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, Italy and France. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows in high alpine pastures. These lie around 5,900–9,200 feet [1,800–2,800 metres] above sea level.

The plant reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres] in height. Kew describes its life form as perennial or a rhizomatous geophyte. Its small size suits a place in a cultivated bed. The roots have a sweet scent like chamomile and patchouli. This scent gives the plant value beyond its flowers. The supplied species accounts give no details of leaf or stem shape.

Flowers appear from May to July, according to Plants For A Future. Insects pollinate them. The species is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Gardeners therefore need plants of both sexes to produce seed. Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Cover it only lightly, since light helps it germinate. Grow small seedlings on before planting them in their final place. Plants can also be divided in spring. Small divisions need time in pots before planting out.

Give this plant sun and soil that stays moist. Plants For A Future says it will not grow in shade. It accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils, including ordinary garden soil. The same source gives mixed guidance on soil pH. Its summary allows mildly acid or neutral soil. Its cultivation notes call for acid soil and describe it as lime-avoiding. No hardiness zone is supplied in these accounts. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.

The root has a recorded use as an aromatic food flavouring. Plants For A Future gives its edible value a low rating. It also records use of the plant as a nervine. The root receives most attention in that account. These records describe uses, rather than establish medical benefit or safety. Roots have also scented bath water and supplied oil for perfume. The root trade once served perfumery. The evidence gives no species-specific toxicity finding, so it does not establish safe use.