Valerian is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caprifoliaceae, whose members are commonly known as valerians. They are perennial herbaceous plants with woody roots and domed flowers.
Italian valerian is a species of this family, which grows in Israel but also throughout the eastern Mediterranean region, in Türkiye, Bulgaria and Greece.
Aside from its distinctive single stem and pink flowers, which remind many people of fireworks because of their shape, what really distinguishes this flower is its scent.
Although its fragrance is potent and distinctive, many people describe it as unpleasant. In fact, its strong aroma has stimulating properties and, in the past, it was used in the medical field: paramedics used to carry small bottles of this scent to revive fainted people, as its strong scent made them react quickly and regain consciousness.
Despite its smell, Italian Valerian has medicinal properties and is cultivated in Europe for therapeutic purposes.
In Israel, its presence extends to several regions, especially Mount Carmel, Mount Gilboa, Galilee, and the Jerusalem hills, where it contributes to the region's floral diversity.
With the arrival of spring, a floral spectacle prepares to amaze those who travel through these regions during the months of February through April.