Valerianaceae - Valerian family

Herbs, perennial (in ours). Leaves opposite or basal, pinnately divided. Inflorescence a many-flowered compound cyme. Flowers bisexual or unisexual, usually 5-merous, actinomorphic or zygomorphic. Calyx minute, but may develop in fruit to form a pappus. Corolla tubular or funnel-shaped, usually 5-lobed. Ovary inferior. Fruit an achene.

Worldwide: 10 genera and 300 species, ± cosmopolitan, but especially in north temperate zones and the Andes.