Common Valerian

There is a good showing of Common Valerian on Flash Lane and Whitesprings plantation at the moment. Historically the plants root was collected to extract a sedative in the 19th century. Flora Britannica by Richard Mabey contains an interesting extract from a local valerian collectors diary from the mid-1860s who cultivated the plant locally.

'He and his companion would set out early on a spring morning walking from Clay Cross towards Chesterfield. Each of the pair has an empty bag rolled up and carried under one arm, and he also has a small fork of wrought iron. They proceed together for several miles for tho' the seedling valerian plants of which they are in quest are to be found in the woods on each side of the road they are not in sufficient abundance to justify a break in their journey till near the Chatsworth woods. The seedlings are now developing a couple of rough leaves and where these appear in abundance the little iron forks are applied in lifting them from the leaf mould of which the soil here mainly consists. They collect sufficient seedlings for the plot of land already set apart and prepared for the replanting. This was done in regular rows and at the right distance apart to allow for growth. After which little attention was required beyond keeping the plants free from weeds. However vigorous the growth may be above ground, this is all rejected and allowed to waste, the roomt being now the only portion of the plant of any value.... A little field, barley three-quarters of an acre in extent, in one seasonn grew a crop of valerian which realised seventy-five pounds. The bulk of this produce is now exported to the USA'

Common Valerian