Valerian

Edible Valerian
Valeriana edulis

This plant grows in moist shady woods, from a clump of basal leaves. A few flower stalks, with opposite leaves, grow to about 3 feet tall from these basal leaves. The flowers are very small, and yellowish or greenish in color. They grow in clusters near the tops of the long stems.

The roots are large and foul-smelling, but are edible. Native Americans roasted them in rock ovens and utilized them for food.