Prostrate valerian

Family Valerianaceae. Native to the eastern Alps.

Rounded-ovate leaves are gathered in a basal rosette. The plant forms low light-green cushions 2–7 cm high. Flowers from late June to August (according to other sources in early summer) with tiny pink flowers gathered into dense inflorescences up to 3 cm in diameter. In rock gardens it is used as groundcover plant, forms many underground shoots and can occupy large areas. Tolerates partial shade, but in full sun the clumps are lower and more compact. Tolerates calcareous soils well.