Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
American Indian Tobacco Plant Care
Valeriana edulis Nutt.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, toothed leaves are the main visual feature, giving it a unique and striking appearance. Valeriana edulis originates from the mountainous regions of South America, particularly the Andes. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its beautiful foliage and unique growth habits, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for American Indian Tobacco?
Water American Indian Tobacco every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the American Indian Tobacco Native To?
What Is the American Indian Tobacco?
American Indian Tobacco (Valeriana edulis) belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family within the Valeriana genus. American Indian Tobacco is native to North America in the honeysuckle family. American Indian Tobacco is also known as Prairie Tobacco, Wild Tobacco, Indian Tobacco.
American Indian Tobacco displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. American Indian Tobacco produces small fragrant white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a American Indian Tobacco?
Valeriana edulis requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the American Indian Tobacco Need?
American Indian Tobacco thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the American Indian Tobacco Prefer?
Valeriana edulis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. American Indian Tobacco prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American Indian Tobacco?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for American Indian Tobacco to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a American Indian Tobacco?
Feed American Indian Tobacco every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a American Indian Tobacco?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a American Indian Tobacco?
American Indian Tobacco can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to starry valerian plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the American Indian Tobacco Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list American Indian Tobacco, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the American Indian Tobacco?
American Indian Tobacco is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the American Indian Tobacco Need?
American Indian Tobacco grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. American Indian Tobacco is native to North America in the honeysuckle family.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
American Indian Tobacco is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Valeriana genus — compare its care with other Valeriana species on PlantoScan.
Valeriana is part of the Caprifoliaceae plant family — browse all Caprifoliaceae genera and species.
American Indian Tobacco thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Valeriana Species
Other Valeriana species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Valeriana edulis Nutt., family Caprifoliaceae (first published in Fl. N. Amer. 2: 48 (1841)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list American Indian Tobacco, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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