common valerian, Valeriana officinalis

Pink valerian? What a nice surprise after all the years of plain white. It turns out that this is not a rare variety. It was apparently just not hanging out in my places. Valerian is a traditional herbal remedy for depression. It's very sweet scent does offer a moment of joy, but actual effects seem to be unproven. Except for cats. The root affects cats like catnip. This traditional European herb can now be found in CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, VT, WA, WI, WV, BC, MB, NB, NF, NS, ON, PE, and QC. Keweenaw Co MI, 6/3/11. Valerian family, Valerianaceae.