Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Valeriaan, Wildebalderjan, Garden valerian, Valerian

Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle)

Distribution: Asia, Europe

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Comments: An unusual feature of Valerian is that Valerian root and leaves are a cat attractant similar to, and as safe as, catnip. Anecdotal reports claim that Valerian is also attractive to rats—so much so that it was used to bait traps. Stories describe the Pied Piper of Hamelin using both his pipes and valerian to attract rats.