valerian

Everyday

1. Valerian is a tall wild plant with small sweet-smelling pink or white flowers that grows by rivers and in damp places. tree →
2. Valerian is also a medicine made from the root of this plant, which some people take to help them sleep. tree →

In the lessons

In The Wind in the Willows the river banks are full of wild flowers such as willow-herb and meadowsweet; valerian grows in such places too. Red valerian grows on old walls and cliffs in Britain. Cats are attracted to the smell of valerian root, a bit like catnip.

Examples

• Pink valerian grew along the river bank. tree →
• Red valerian sprouted from the old castle wall. tree →
• Butterflies visit valerian flowers. tree →
• Some adults take valerian to help them sleep. tree →
• Our cat rolled in the valerian. tree →
• The root of valerian smells very strong. tree →

Note

Pronounced va-LEER-ee-un. Herbal medicines should be taken only with an adult's say-so.