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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 2E2Fedible
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Eastern Valerian

Patrinia scabiosifolia
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Patrinia scabiosifolia (Eastern Valerian) — botanical photograph
Pl. 2E2F — Patrinia scabiosifolia
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I

Overview

Eastern Valerian, scientifically known as Patrinia scabiosifolia, is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, and Japan. Thriving in full sun and preferring moist, light (sandy) or medium soil, this adaptable plant can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-8. The leaves of Eastern Valerian are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, commonly used in stir-fries or soups to add a mild flavor. Its light green foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers blend into the landscape, making it a valuable ornamental plant despite not being widely cultivated for this purpose. Additionally, Eastern Valerian is known for its utility in pest control, making it a useful addition to gardens and landscapes.

Quick answers

What is Eastern Valerian?

Eastern Valerian, scientifically known as Patrinia scabiosifolia, is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, China North-Central, and Japan. Thriving in full sun and preferring moist, light (sandy) or medium soil, this adaptable plant can grow up to 0.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Eastern Valerian thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy in zones 5-8 and grows to a height of about 0.6 meters. For propagation, Eastern Valerian can be divided or grown from seeds. The edible parts are the leaves, which can be harvested for use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Eastern Valerian for the first time

8steps

Start with Eastern Valerian as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium. Ensure full sun exposure.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants in early spring, spacing them about 0.6 meters apart. Sow seeds directly where they will grow, covering lightly with soil.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress or pests.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Eastern Valerian prefers moist conditions and light, medium soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead foliage in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Eastern Valerian are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are commonly prepared in stir-fries or soups, adding a mild flavor to dishes. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they were not provided in the data.
Other uses:Pest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

16 native · 1 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 16 native· 1 introduced
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanMongoliaSouth KoreaVietnam
Broader regions
native:Amur, Chita, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Sakhalin
introduced:Irkutsk
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Patrinia scabiosifolia (Eastern Valerian) — botanical photograph
Eastern Valerian (Patrinia scabiosifolia)
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

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