Bog garden plant id please

[dubqueen]

Can anyone identify this? Its around 6 high and growing in my bog garden. I dont know whether I bought it and planted it or it just appeared!!

I would be really grateful if someone can tell me what it is - its a beautiful plant and Id like to give it a name!

Edited to add - I dont understand why its not displaying as a thumbnail - Im sure I followed all the instructions......

[Dorts]

Hi dubqueen
What you have got is Valerian - Valeriana officinalis.
This is a herbal plant, still used today to help with sleep and as a relaxant.
Hope that helps.
Dorts

[Monkey Orchid]

It's the root which is generally used in herbal preparations, either powdered into tablet form or taken as a tincture. You shouldn't take it over a long period of time - best to use it for only a couple of weeks, then have a break from it.

Incidentally, cats go mad for the smell of valerian! I once occasionally took capsules of powdered valerian as a mild sleep aid, and my cat used to go totally doolally when he smelled my hands afterwards. It seemed to have a similar effect on him as catnip, only more pronounced. When I worked in a health food shop for a while we used to sell the dried root, and it certainly has a very strong - and I would say, unpleasant - smell.

[dubqueen]

Thanks so much Doris. Valerian, for me has always been the red stuff. I had no idea there was another variety!

Im wondering whether it has just 'appeared' on its own, rather than me buying it. I wouldnt have bought a valerian - I fight battles with red valerian every summer after the clump I allow to grow has seeded itself everywhere! However I cant say Ive noticed it growing in the local area so maybe I did buy it..........

[dubqueen]

Originally Posted by Monkey Orchid

It's the root which is generally used in herbal preparations, either powdered into tablet form or taken as a tincture. You shouldn't take it over a long period of time - best to use it for only a couple of weeks, then have a break from it.

Incidentally, cats go mad for the smell of valerian! I once occasionally took capsules of powdered valerian as a mild sleep aid, and my cat used to go totally doolally when he smelled my hands afterwards. It seemed to have a similar effect on him as catnip, only more pronounced. When I worked in a health food shop for a while we used to sell the dried root, and it certainly has a very strong - and I would say, unpleasant - smell.

Cats are definately not welcome in my garden!! Especially when they take a dump in my borders!! My retriever usually sees them off and if not, they get a quick soaking from a garden hose. Ive had this growing for 2 years now and havent really noticed any cats particularly attracted to it so maybe its when the stems are broken?? I'll take a few stems to my Mums and try it out with her cat!