Can be confused with : Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) [but see caption text and below]

Uniquely identifiable characteristics

Distinguishing Feature :

Although Common Valerian also grows in damp places such as damp grassland, woods and in dry grassland, Marsh Valerian grows only in marshes, marshy grassland, fens and bogs. It is also, at up to 40cm, much shorter than Common Valerian which stands up to 2m. The other main distinction are the oval basal leaves of Marsh Valerian, and also the shape of the stem leaves, which, in opposite pairs and pinnate like Common Valerian, have leaflets with rounded (rather than pointed) and a broader end leaflet. The pinnate stem leaflets of Marsh Valerian are also un-toothed whereas those of Common Valerian (especially those lower down the plant) have a few irregular forward-pointing teeth. Whereas Common Valerian is bisexual Marsh Valerian is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants.