Hemlock water dropwort
Toxic · do not eatGrows in the same wet ground; its roots are deadly.
Extra care needed
Valerian.
Valeriana officinalis
Also found as Garden valerian · All-heal
A tall wet-meadow herb with pinnate leaves and pale pink flower clusters, whose roots smell strongly when dried.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Can cause drowsiness and interact with sedatives. Not for use with alcohol or before driving.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 18,840
- People who recorded it
- 7,931
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Jun–Jul
- Records span
- 1986–2026
| January | 13 |
|---|---|
| February | 12 |
| March | 123 |
| April | 1003 |
| May | 2529 |
| June | 6006 |
| July | 6070 |
| August | 2212 |
| September | 547 |
| October | 235 |
| November | 65 |
| December | 18 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Tall grooved stems with opposite, pinnate leaves.
- 02
Rounded clusters of small pale pink to white fragrant flowers.
- 03
Roots with a strong, unpleasant smell when dried.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Water hemlock
Toxic · do not eatWet-ground umbellifer with deadly roots.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to Europe and Asia; naturalized in North America.
Watch the plant stage
Roots dug in autumn.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Root
Dried roots are used for sleep tea.
Care for the patch
Dig only from cultivated plants.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Valeriana officinalisBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Valeriana officinalisTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction