Florida valerian
Valeriana scandens
Florida valerian (Valeriana scandens) is a climbing perennial herb endemic to Florida, characterized by its compound leaves and small, fragrant white or pink flowers arranged in terminal clusters. This native vine plays an important ecological role by providing nectar for pollinators and serving as a host plant for specialized herbivorous insects in Florida's unique ecosystems.
25
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Dipsacales
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Genus
Valeriana
Florida valerian belongs to the family Caprifoliaceae, order Dipsacales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Florida valerian (Valeriana scandens) is a climbing perennial herb endemic to Florida, characterized by its compound leaves and small, fragrant white or pink flowers arranged in terminal clusters. This native vine plays an important ecological role by providing nectar for pollinators and serving as a host plant for specialized herbivorous insects in Florida's unique ecosystems.
Florida valerian faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss from urban development and agricultural conversion throughout its limited range in Florida. The species is further threatened by invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter native plant communities, along with potential impacts from climate change affecting its specialized habitat requirements.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Florida valerian typically grows in moist, shaded areas including hardwood hammocks, cypress swamps, and the edges of freshwater marshes. The species thrives in partially flooded conditions and rich organic soils, often climbing on shrubs and small trees in these wetland-adjacent communities.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Florida valerian faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss from urban development and agricultural conversion throughout its limited range in Florida. The species is further threatened by invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter native plant communities, along with potential impacts from climate change affecting its specialized habitat requirements.
Agricultural land conversion
Habitat loss from urban development
Small population size and fragmentation
Climate change impacts
Invasive species competition
Found in 25 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Florida valerian (Valeriana scandens). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/florida-valerian