Old Huber Farmstead - Valarian Control

A dedicated volunteer snips the flowering head off.

June 25th, 2025 - Three volunteers spent time wading through the wet weeds of the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area eliminating the invasive plant Valeriana officinalis. Specifically they focused on the ever expanding patch stemming from the former Huber farmstead. They were most likely planted as medicinal herb.

They've been growing wild since 1941, so trimming the flowers may help control this invasive plant. Unfortunately, the area is also very thick with other invasive vegetation. By the end of the workday no flowering Valerian was to be found. With repeated focus, hopefully it may be contained. 

“Valerian is a perennial flowering plant native to Eurasia. It produces a catnip-like response in cats. Crude extracts of valerian root may have sedative and anxiolytic effects; however, the clinical evidence is mixed and debated. It is commonly sold as a dietary supplement to promote sleep.”

Source: 

Wikipedia