Valerian, a genus of plants giving its name to the valerian family. There are a hundred species--herbs and shrubs. The common valerian is a native of Europe and northern Asia. The flower is fragrant. It has five-lobed white or pinkish corollas growing in terminal clusters at the summit of the stem. The stem is surrounded by a cluster of pinnate toothed leaves growing directly from the root. Oil of valerian is obtained from the roots. It has a pungent, agreeable odor, pleasing to cats and many wild animals. Trappers of mink and other animals of the cat tribe often rub their traps or bait with it. The oil is used also as a remedy for nervous diseases, especially hysteria and epilepsy. The thickened roots of an edible valerian were formerly a staple food of the Digger Indians of the Rocky Mountain region.