HELIOTROPE
Valeriana officinalis L.;
Valerian family (Valerianaceae)
Perennial herb 2 to 5 feet high with pinnately divided leaves and clusters of small, whitish, pinkish, or lavender flowers. Very fragrant. Native of Europe and N. Asia; naturalized in North America.
Cultivation and Propagation: It is easily grown from seed sown 1/16 inch deep in light, sandy soil. It may be propagated by division of the rootstock in spring. It spreads itself rapidly by suckers rising from the roots.
Harvesting: Flowering tops should be cut off to make the roots develop more. In September or October the tops should be cut completely and the large root crowns dug, washed, and dried.
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