Valeriana officinalis aka Garden Heliotrope

Valeriana officinalis, also known as Valerian, garden heliotrope, common valerian or all-heal, is a clumping perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It typically grows to a height of 1.5 meters and produces sweetly scented pink or white flowers in the summer, which attract hoverflies and other insects. The plant is consumed by the larvae of some butterfly and moth species, including the grey pug. Valerian root extract has been used for its sedative and anxiolytic effects and is commonly sold in dietary supplement capsules to promote sleep. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence to prove its effectiveness. The roots and leaves of the plant also cause a catnip-like response in cats. The strong-smelling roots of Valerian yield the drug valerian, which has been used in herbal medicines for treating various problems, including anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Extracts have also been used in perfumes, herbal teas, and for flavoring in a variety of food products. Today, the plant is cultivated in Europe for producing an over-the-counter tranquilizer. Valeriana officinalis is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. The plant does not require added fertilizers if it is repotted each time it doubles in size. The plant has escaped gardens and locally naturalized in the northern U.S. and Canada, where it typically grows in damp locations but can also be found in drier soils and along roads or in fields. However, it is considered invasive in Connecticut and Wisconsin.