Definition

Noun: 1. A perennial flowering plant: "Greek valerian" is the common name for two distinct species of flowering plants. * Polemonium caeruleum: A European perennial plant with pinnate (feather-like) leaves and clusters of bright blue or white flowers. * Polemonium reptans: A North American perennial plant, native to the eastern United States, which can have an erect or spreading growth habit.

Usage Notes

• "Greek valerian" is a common name, not a scientific botanical term. It is used informally to refer to specific plants in the genus.
• The name can be confusing because these plants are not true valerians (plants from the genus). The name likely comes from a perceived similarity in appearance or use.

Examples

• The garden's shady border was brightened by a clump of Greek valerian with its delicate blue flowers.
• Botanists note that Greek valerian () is an important native plant for woodland gardens in North America.
• She purchased seeds for Greek valerian, hoping to attract pollinators to her yard.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in horticultural and botanical contexts when discussing garden plants or native species, often clarified by the scientific name to avoid ambiguity.
  • For a true blue flower, consider Greek valerian, specifically the species Polemonium caeruleum.

Variants and Related Words

• Jacob's ladder: A more frequently used common name for plants in the genus, often preferred to avoid confusion with true valerian.
• Polemonium: The scientific genus name for this group of plants.
• Valerian: Refers to a different genus () of plants, often used for herbal remedies.

Synonyms

• Jacob's ladder
• Charity (an archaic common name)

Different Meanings

• This term refers specifically to the plants described. It does not have other unrelated meanings in modern English. It is not related to the country Greece or to the ancient Greek language.

Noun

1. pinnate-leaved European perennial having bright blue or white flowers
2. erect or spreading perennial of the eastern United States