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Valerianella
Valerianella
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Valerianella
Valerianella locusta
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Dipsacales
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Subfamily: Valerianoideae
Genus: Valerianella
Mill. (1754)
Species[1]

23; see text

Valerianella is a genus of flowering plant in family Caprifoliaceae. It includes 23 species native to the Mediterranean Basin of southern Europe and North Africa, western and central Asia, Madeira and the Azores, and Ethiopia and Kenya.[1] Many species formerly placed in Valerianella, including those native to the Americas, have been moved to Valeriana.[2] Plants of Valerianella and Valeriana are sometimes known by the common name corn salad or cornsalad.

Species

[edit]

23 species are accepted.[1]

  1. Valerianella abyssinica Fresen.
  2. Valerianella adylovii M.N.Abdull.
  3. Valerianella amblyotis Fisch. & C.A.Mey. ex Hohen.
  4. Valerianella antilibanotica Rech.f.
  5. Valerianella balansae V.A.Matthews
  6. Valerianella chlorodonta Coss. & Durieu
  7. Valerianella chlorostephana Boiss. & Balansa
  8. Valerianella corniculata C.A.Mey.
  9. Valerianella deserticola Hadac
  10. Valerianella falconida Shvedtsch.
  11. Valerianella glomerata Boiss. & Balansa
  12. Valerianella kulabensis Lipsky ex Lincz.
  13. Valerianella leptocarpa Pomel
  14. Valerianella multidentata Loscos & J.Pardo
  15. Valerianella orientalis (Schltdl.) Boiss. & Balansa
  16. Valerianella ovczinnikovii Sharipova
  17. Valerianella petrovichii Asch.
  18. Valerianella platycarpa Trautv.
  19. Valerianella pomelii Batt.
  20. Valerianella stenocarpa (Engelm. ex Gray) Krok
  21. Valerianella stephanodon Coss. & Durieu
  22. Valerianella triceras Bornm.
  23. Valerianella turcica Doğru-Koca & G.Zare
  24. Valerianella varzobica Sharipova
  25. Valerianella × zoltanii Borbás (unplaced)

Formerly placed here

[edit]
  1. Valeriana aegaea Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella hirsutissima Link)
  2. Valeriana amarella (Lindh. ex Engelm.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella amarella (Lindh. ex Engelm.) Krok) – hairy corn salad
  3. Valeriana arkansana Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella palmeri Dyal) – Palmer's corn salad
  4. Valeriana carinata (Loisel.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella carinata Loisel.) – European corn salad
  5. Valeriana chenopodiifolia (Pursh) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella chenopodiifolia (Pursh) DC.) – goosefoot corn salad
  6. Valeriana coronata (L.) Mill. (as Valerianella coronata (L.) DC.)
  7. Valeriana cymbaecarpa (C.A.Mey.) Sennikov (as Valerianella cymbaecarpa C.A.Mey.)
  8. Valeriana dactylophylla (Boiss. & Hohen.) Sennikov (as Valerianella dactylophylla Boiss. & Hohen.)
  9. Valeriana dentata (L.) All. (as Valerianella dentata (L.) Pollich and Valerianella godayana Fanlo) – narrowfruit corn salad
  10. Valeriana discoidea (L.) Willd. (as Valerianella discoidea (L.) Loisel.)
  11. Valeriana echinata L. (as Valerianella echinata (L.) DC.)
  12. Valeriana edwardsensis Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella texana Dyal) – Edwards Plateau corn salad
  13. Valeriana eriocarpa (Desv.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella eriocarpa Desv.) – Italian corn salad
  14. Valeriana extincta Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella affinis Balf.f.) – believed extinct
  15. Valeriana florifera (Shinners) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella florifera Shinners) – Texas corn salad
  16. Valeriana ibika Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella puberula (Bertol.) DC.)
  17. Valeriana kotschyi (Boiss.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella kotschyi Boiss.)
  18. Valeriana lanata Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella lasiocarpa (Steven) Betcke)
  19. Valeriana langei Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella divaricata Lange)
  20. Valeriana locusta L. (as Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterr.) – corn salad, lamb's lettuce, mâche, fetticus
  21. Valeriana matheziana Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella longiflora (Torr. & A.Gray) Walp. – longtube corn salad
  22. Valeriana martini (Losco) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella martini Loscos)
  23. Valeriana muricata (Steven ex M.Bieb.) Sennikov (as Valerianella muricata (Steven ex M.Bieb.) W.H.Baxter)
  24. Valeriana nuttallii (Torr. & A.Gray) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella nuttallii (Torr. & A.Gray) Walp.) – Nuttall's corn salad
  25. Valeriana obtusiloba (Boiss.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella obtusiloba Boiss.)
  26. Valeriana orientalis (DC.) Sennikov (as Valerianella leiocarpa (K.Koch) Kuntze)
  27. Valeriana oxyrhyncha (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella oxyrhyncha Fisch. & C.A.Mey., V. anodon Lincz., and V. diodon Boiss.)
  28. Valeriana ozarkana (Dyal) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella ozarkana Dyal) – Ozark corn salad
  29. Valeriana plagiostephana (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella plagiostephana Fisch. & C.A.Mey.)
  30. Valeriana pleurota Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella costata (Steven) Betcke)
  31. Valeriana pontica (Lipsky) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella pontica Lipsky)
  32. Valeriana pumila (L.) Willd. (as Valerianella pumila (L.) DC.)
  33. Valeriana regelii Sennikov (as Valerianella turkestanica Regel & Schmalh.)
  34. Valeriana rimosa (Bastard) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella rimosa Bastard)
  35. Valeriana sclerocarpa (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella sclerocarpa Fisch. & C.A.Mey.)
  36. Valeriana szovitsiana (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella szovitsiana Fisch. & C.A.Mey. and V. vvedenskyi Lincz.)
  37. Valeriana triplaris (Boiss. & Buhse) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella triplaris Boiss. & Buhse)
  38. Valeriana tuberculata (Boiss.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella tuberculata Boiss. and V. aksaensis M.N.Abdull.)
  39. Valeriana turgida (Steven) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella turgida (Steven) Betcke)
  40. Valeriana umbilicata (Sull.) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella umbilicata (Sull.) Alph.Wood) – navel corn salad
  41. Valeriana uncinata M.Bieb. (as Valerianella uncinata (M.Bieb.) Dufr.)
  42. Valeriana vesicaria (L.) Mill. (as Valerianella vesicaria (L.) Moench)
  43. Valeriana woodsiana (Torr. & A.Gray) Christenh. & Byng (as Valerianella woodsiana (Torr. & A.Gray) Walp and V. radiata (L.) Dufr.) – beaked corn salad

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Valerianella

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Valerianella is a of 50–65 of small, annual, self-pollinating flowering in the family , commonly known as corn salad, cornsalad, or lamb's lettuce. These herbs, typically 5–30 cm tall, feature simple or slightly lobed leaves and produce clusters of tiny, tubular flowers that are white or pale blue, blooming in spring. A defining characteristic is their polymorphic fruits—small achenes that are asymmetrical due to the development of only one fertile locule out of three, with variations including smooth, ribbed, or winged forms that can differ even within a single population. Native primarily to the temperate regions of the (Holarctic), with a center of diversity in the Mediterranean Basin where around 39 species occur, Valerianella extends from and to , and into parts of including and . The genus thrives in disturbed, open habitats such as fields, roadsides, pastures, and waste ground, often behaving as a therophyte (annual that completes its life cycle in one season). Taxonomically complex, Valerianella is divided into at least four main sections—Valerianella, Cornigerae, Coronatae, and Platycoelae—based largely on fruit morphology, though genetic studies reveal that such carpological traits can be genetically controlled and polymorphic, challenging traditional classifications. Several species hold economic and culinary value; notably, V. locusta (European corn salad) is widely cultivated as a cool-season green for its tender, nutty-flavored leaves, harvested since ancient times and now grown commercially in , , and beyond. Other species, such as V. radiata and V. umbilicata, are native to and occasionally used in or as wildlife forage, though some are considered weeds in agricultural fields. Evolutionarily, the likely originated in the Mediterranean during the mid-Miocene (around 15.9 million years ago), with species diversification occurring in the –Pleistocene amid shifts.

Description

Morphology

Valerianella species are or biennial herbaceous with a growth habit typically reaching 5-30 cm in height, featuring slender, erect stems that are dichotomously branched and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. The stems are often hollow and angled, with minutely winged edges in some cases, supporting a compact overall structure adapted to open, disturbed environments. The leaves form a basal rosette of obovate to lanceolate blades, measuring 2-10 cm long, with entire or slightly toothed margins and petiolate bases. Cauline leaves are smaller, opposite, sessile, and simpler in form, often linear to lanceolate and occasionally at the base, transitioning gradually up the stem. Inflorescences consist of compact, terminal cymes or panicles subtended by bract-like structures, bearing small tubular to funnel-shaped flowers 2-4 mm long, typically pale blue, white, lilac, or pinkish-blue. Each flower has a five-lobed corolla with unequal lobes and a gibbous or spurred base, reflecting asymmetrical traits common in the family, along with three stamens and a three-fid stigma. Fruits develop as small nutlets or achenes, 1-3 mm long, that are compressed and longitudinally grooved, featuring a single fertile locule with one seed while the other two locules are sterile or fused. These nutlets are often ridged, winged, or beaked, facilitating dispersal by or attachment. The is shallow and fibrous, arising from a slender , which supports the plant's adaptation to nutrient-poor, disturbed soils.

Reproduction

Valerianella species are predominantly self-pollinating annuals, with flowers that exhibit autogamy as the primary reproductive mechanism, though outcrossing is possible through visits by small insects such as flies and bees attracted to the small, slightly colored corollas and low nectar rewards. In several North American species, including V. ozarkana, V. longiflora, and V. nuttallii, protandry promotes limited outcrossing by ensuring male-phase pollen release precedes stigma receptivity, but self-pollination remains common due to the compact flower structure and self-compatible nature. Flowering occurs primarily in spring to early summer (April to June in European native ranges), with bisexual, zygomorphic flowers arranged in panicle-like cymes. Pollen production is low, consisting of small grains suited for both self-transfer and limited insect dispersal. Each flower develops from a 3-carpellate inferior , developing into a dry containing one in the fertile locule, with the other two locules sterile or fused, and dispersed passively by or soil disturbance shortly after maturation in to summer. Nutlet germination rates are high, ranging from 70–90% under cool (5–20°C), moist conditions, with optimal rates achieved after a brief period of about 2 months post-harvest; prolonged storage can maintain viability for up to 14 years at low temperatures, though rates may decline slightly to around 72% after 5 years. Minimal dormancy allows rapid establishment in disturbed habitats, supported by persistent banks that enable population persistence across seasons. Vegetative reproduction is absent in the genus, with all reliant on ; most species are summer or winter annuals that complete their life cycle within one growing season, though winter annual forms like V. locusta germinate in autumn, overwinter as basal rosettes, and bolt to flower in spring before setting seed and senescing. This seed-dependent strategy ensures high through occasional entomophilous cross-pollination while favoring for reliable reproduction in fragmented habitats.

Taxonomy and etymology

Classification

Valerianella belongs to the kingdom Plantae, clade Tracheophytes, class Magnoliopsida (), clade , order , family , and subfamily Valerianoideae. Within this hierarchy, the genus is placed in the tribe Valerianeae, where molecular phylogenetic analyses using markers such as ITS, matK, and trnL-F sequences indicate that Valerianella, along with Fedia, forms a well-supported sister to the Valeriana (including Centranthus and Plectritis). These data align with broader diversification events in the during the Oligocene-Miocene transition. The genus is morphologically distinguished from the closely related primarily by structure and . Fruits of Valerianella are asymmetrical achenes with one fertile locule and two often inflated sterile locules, whereas produces indehiscent, one-seeded achenes lacking such sterile structures. Additionally, Valerianella typically exhibit diploid numbers of 2n=14–18, contrasting with the frequent (up to 2n=114) observed in many taxa. Valerianella was validly published as a by in the fourth edition of The Gardeners Dictionary in 1754, with the designated as V. locusta (based on the Valeriana locusta L., later recombined by Laterrade in 1787). Recent taxonomic revisions, particularly under the III (2009) and IV (2016) systems, have integrated the traditional family Valerianaceae into an expanded , recognizing Valerianoideae as a distinct to accommodate these genera. A 2022 molecular study proposed a new section, Stipitae, for V. fusiformis, expanding the traditional four sections (Valerianella, Cornigerae, Coronatae, Platycoelae). The name Valerianella is a diminutive form of , alluding to the smaller stature and similar inflorescences of its species.

History

The Valerianella was recognized in pre-Linnaean European traditions, where species such as V. locusta were described as "lamb's " or corn for their use in and as a green, with the first written record appearing in John Gerard's 1597 The Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes. These early accounts highlighted the plant's annual habit and mild flavor but did not formalize taxonomic distinctions. The genus was formally established by Philip Miller in the 1754 edition of his Gardener's Dictionary, where he segregated annual species lacking a pappus from the related genus Valeriana based on differences in growth habit and fruit morphology. This separation emphasized the compressed, single-seeded nutlets and herbaceous nature of Valerianella species, distinguishing them from the often perennial Valeriana. In the 19th century, Augustin Pyramus de Candolle's Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis (1830) placed Valerianella within the family Valerianaceae and enumerated approximately 27 species across several sections, many of which were later synonymized due to overlapping morphological variation. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the genus remained in Valerianaceae, with classifications like Friedrich Weberling's 1970 revision recognizing it in the subtribe Fediinae alongside genera such as Fedia. Molecular phylogenetic studies beginning in the late and intensifying in the reshaped understandings of Valerianella's position, confirming its and placement within the expanded family (Dipsacales) through analyses of matK and nuclear ITS markers. Key works, including Hidalgo et al.'s 2004 study on and seed morphology and Bell's 2005 biogeographic phylogeny, supported the genus's close relationship to Fedia and highlighted in the broader Valerianaceae, prompting reclassifications. Species counts vary due to taxonomic debate; earlier estimates suggested 50 or more, but as of 2025, accepts 23 species, reflecting extensive synonymy based on molecular data challenging traditional fruit-based delimitations. Nomenclatural challenges persist, including the lectotypification of the type species as V. locusta (L.) Laterr. in the early 20th century and ongoing debates over potential synonymy with Valeriana due to phylogenetic evidence of paraphyly and the possibility of intergeneric hybridization, which complicates generic boundaries. These issues underscore the taxonomic complexity of the group, with some authorities proposing mergers based on molecular data.

Species

Accepted species

The genus Valerianella includes 23 accepted species, all of which are annual herbs primarily distributed in the Mediterranean Basin, western and central Asia, , and parts of . These species are distinguished by variations in fruit morphology, leaf shape, and growth habit, with most exhibiting small white or pale blue flowers in compact inflorescences. Conservation assessments indicate that the majority are categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN. Informal infrageneric sections are recognized based on carpological traits, including Section Valerianella with smooth nutlets and laterally compressed achenes bearing non-persistent or small-toothed calyces. Representative species highlight the genus's diversity. Valerianella abyssinica, native to and , is an East African endemic with small achenes adapted to highland habitats. Valerianella rimosa, widespread in the Mediterranean, features ribbed fruits and thrives in arable lands. Valerianella multidentata, from the , has toothed leaves and dimorphic fruits. Other sections include Cornigerae, marked by heterocarpous fruits with horn-shaped calyx teeth and spongy tissues, and Platycoelae, with monomorphic or dimorphic achenes and unhooked toothed calyces. A recently proposed section, Stipitae, encompasses species like V. fusiformis with fusiform, stipitate achenes lacking persistent calyces, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. These groupings reflect evolutionary adaptations to diverse ecological niches, though molecular studies suggest some carpological traits may have limited taxonomic reliability.

Formerly placed here

Following advances in molecular systematics during the early , approximately 30–40 taxa previously classified within Valerianella were reassigned primarily to the genus Valeriana, based on evidence from and comparative that demonstrated the polyphyletic nature of the original circumscription. These reclassifications addressed longstanding taxonomic uncertainties, as earlier delimitations relied heavily on morphological traits like fruit shape and indumentum, which proved unreliable for distinguishing monophyletic groups. A pivotal study by Bell (2007) utilized chloroplast (rbcL) and nuclear (ITS) DNA sequences to analyze relationships within Valerianaceae, revealing that North American and certain Asian species of Valerianella were nested within clades of Valeriana, prompting the transfer of at least 15 species to the latter genus. For instance, the American Valerianella woodsii (endemic to the Rocky Mountains) was reclassified as Valeriana woodsiana, reflecting its close phylogenetic affinity to Valeriana lineages rather than the core Eurasian Valerianella group. Similarly, the Himalayan Valerianella pubescens was transferred to Valeriana pubescens (now often treated as a synonym of V. uncinata), supported by shared fruit anatomical features such as compressed schizocarps and molecular markers indicating convergence in Valerianella-like traits. Another example is Valerianella cornucopiae, moved back to Valeriana cornucopiae, aligning it with southern European Valeriana clades based on both genetic and anatomical evidence. These changes significantly reduced the size of Valerianella, from around 80 species recognized in pre-1990s treatments to 23 accepted today, primarily annual herbs confined to the Mediterranean and adjacent regions. Synonymy adjustments under the International Code of Nomenclature for , fungi, and (ICN) conserved certain names to maintain stability, avoiding widespread nomenclatural disruption while reflecting phylogenetic realities. Ongoing taxonomic discussions, as noted in recent databases, propose a full merger of Valerianella into Valeriana to resolve remaining polyphyly, though this has not yet been formally enacted.

Distribution and habitat

Native range

The genus Valerianella is indigenous to the Mediterranean Basin, encompassing southern Europe and North Africa, with key countries including Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, France, Portugal, Cyprus, and Türkiye. This region serves as the primary center of origin and diversification for the genus, where approximately 39 species occur, representing the highest species diversity within its native range. The native distribution extends beyond the core Mediterranean area to , including the islands of and the ; western and , such as , , the (including , Transcaucasus, and Krym), Tadzhikistan, and ; and disjunct populations in , notably and . Biogeographic patterns reflect a predominantly Mediterranean affinity, with diversification linked to historical climate shifts during the , leading to elevated in the western Mediterranean (e.g., up to 11 species in the ) and scattered highland occurrences. Endemism is notable, with around 10 species restricted to specific islands or countries, such as V. fusiformis in northern and eastern and others confined to Macaronesian archipelagos.

Introduced ranges

Valerianella locusta, the most widely introduced in the genus, has become naturalized in following escapes from cultivation as a since the early 19th century. It occurs across numerous states in the United States, including , , , , New York, , , and , as well as in Canadian provinces such as and . In the of the , it thrives in temperate climates along arable field margins and disturbed sites. Beyond , V. locusta has established scattered populations in , including northeastern and southern , , central and southern , and the . In , it is naturalized in , . Introductions in include (since the mid- to late ), Korea, southeastern , and the western Himalayas. These occurrences are often linked to agricultural trade, where seeds contaminate grain shipments or escape from ornamental and kitchen garden plantings. Other Valerianella species show limited introductions outside their native ranges. For instance, V. eriocarpa has naturalized in Britain from central and southern European origins, appearing on old walls and banks. Overall, introductions in the are mostly casual or naturalized, persisting in temperate, disturbed habitats without widespread invasiveness, though V. locusta is occasionally monitored as a in agricultural settings.

Ecology

Plant interactions

Valerianella species exhibit primarily self-pollinating flowers, with the three stamens and three-lobed stigma maturing simultaneously to facilitate , though cross-pollination by can occur if pollinators visit the small, open corollas. While specific pollinator records are limited, the accessible floral structure of these annual herbs suggests potential visitation by small such as flies (Diptera) and minute bees (small ), which are common for similar open-flowered plants in disturbed habitats. rewards are minimal, relying instead on the plant's brief spring flowering period to attract opportunistic visitors. Herbivory impacts Valerianella foliage and seeds, with leaves readily grazed by mammalian herbivores, contributing to population regulation in open fields. Unlike the related Valeriana, Valerianella lacks potent chemical defenses such as valepotriates, making it more susceptible to generalist herbivores. Arbuscular mycorrhizal associations occur in Valerianella, enhancing nutrient uptake particularly in nutrient-poor, disturbed soils where the genus thrives as a . These symbiotic fungi colonize roots, improving establishment in early successional sites with minimal . Allelopathic effects are negligible, allowing Valerianella to coexist or dominate temporarily in bare or tilled ground without strongly inhibiting neighbors. Interspecific hybridization in Valerianella is rare due to predominant selfing and barriers, with most species diploid (2n=16); however, artificial crosses have been achieved, indicating potential but limited natural . Barriers like differing complements in some congeners further restrict wild hybrids.

Environmental threats

Habitat loss represents a primary anthropogenic threat to Valerianella populations, particularly in their native Mediterranean range where many species are adapted to arable and disturbed soils. Agricultural intensification, including the widespread use of fertilizers and herbicides, has drastically reduced the availability of suitable habitats for arable species like Valerianella, leading to increased threat status across . For instance, higher national wheat yields correlate positively with the number of rare, threatened, or extinct arable , as intensive practices favor monocultures over diverse assemblages. Urbanization in coastal Mediterranean areas further fragments habitats, converting open fields and margins into developed land, which limits dispersal and establishment for coastal-adapted species such as those in disturbed sandy soils. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by altering abiotic conditions critical to Valerianella life cycles. Shifts in rainfall patterns, projected to become more erratic under IPCC scenarios, disrupt seed germination and survival, as many require specific winter for autumn-sown cohorts. modeling for crop wild relatives, including Valerianella, forecasts significant range contractions in , with projections indicating declines of up to 20% in the under high-emission scenarios (RCP8.5) by 2070, driven by warming temperatures and changing precipitation. Montane-endemic Valerianella face amplified risks from these dynamics, though specific projections vary by region. Overcollection poses a minor but localized to wild populations of like Valerianella locusta in accessible regions, where foraging for edible greens can deplete small stands. pollution compounds this by contaminating soil banks, reducing long-term viability; studies on related arable show lower seed persistence in treated plots due to chemical residues inhibiting dormancy break. In disturbed sites, competition from invasive grasses and weedy perennials further displaces Valerianella, outcompeting them for light and nutrients in altered environments. Conservation efforts highlight the vulnerability of rare Valerianella endemics, with species such as Valerianella rimosa assessed as Critically Endangered on regional IUCN Red Lists due to cumulative habitat threats. Other endemics, like Valerianella eriocarpa, are classified as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) globally, underscoring the need for targeted protection. In the European Union, while individual Valerianella species are not explicitly listed under the Habitats Directive, associated arable and coastal habitats receive safeguards, aiding indirect conservation for several taxa.

Cultivation and uses

Cultivation practices

Valerianella locusta, commonly known as lamb's lettuce or corn salad, thrives in cool temperate conditions, preferring daytime temperatures between 5–20°C (41–68°F) for optimal growth and germination, with tolerance down to 0°C (32°F) for established plants but above 21°C (70°F). It performs best in full sun to partial shade, particularly in regions with mild summers, and requires well-drained, fertile loamy soils rich in with a of 6.0–7.0 to support healthy root development and prevent waterlogging. Sowing is typically done by direct seeding , either in early spring 3–4 weeks before the last or in late summer to early fall for overwintering crops, with successional plantings every 2–3 weeks to ensure a continuous supply. Seeds should be planted 0.6–1 cm (¼ inch) deep, thinned to 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) between plants and 30 cm (12 inches) between rows, allowing for compact rosette formation without competition. Once established, have moderate needs, requiring 2.5–5 cm (1–2 inches) per week via to maintain even moisture without excess, and mulching helps conserve soil moisture while suppressing weeds. Fertilization is minimal, with a light application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer (such as 21-0-0 at ¼ cup per 3 m [10-foot] row) about 4 weeks after emergence to promote leafy growth, though over-fertilization can lead to bolting. Common pests include and slugs, which can be managed organically through hand-picking, , or sprays, while every 2–3 years prevents soil-borne diseases. Harvest begins 4–8 weeks after , depending on variety and conditions, using a cut-and-come-again method where outer leaves are snipped at 10 cm (4 inches) tall to encourage regrowth, or the entire rosette is cut when 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) high for baby greens. Yields typically range from 200–500 g/ over multiple cuts in suitable conditions, with a 3 m (10-foot) row producing 0.45–1.4 kg (1–3 pounds). Popular cultivars include 'Vit', valued for its disease resistance and dark green, rounded leaves suitable for overwintering; 'Elan', known for slow bolting and compact growth; and 'D'Etampes' or 'Medaillon', which offer broad, spoon-shaped leaves with good flavor retention. In , organic cultivation is widespread, with certified varieties like 'Vit' commonly grown under to meet demand for pesticide-free greens.

Culinary and nutritional uses

Valerianella locusta, commonly known as mâche or lamb's lettuce, is prized for its tender leaves, which are primarily consumed raw in salads due to their mild, nutty flavor and soft texture. The leaves are often mixed with other greens like , , and to add a subtle and tenderness to fresh preparations, and they can also be lightly wilted for use in warm dishes. In culinary pairings, mâche complements earthy flavors such as roasted beets and adds contrast when combined with crunchy nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts, enhancing both texture and taste in composed salads. Historically, V. locusta has been foraged as a wild green in for centuries, with records indicating its use in kitchen gardens since at least the , particularly in and where it became commercially cultivated. Today, it is a common component in mixes, valued for its year-round availability in cooler climates and integration into modern salad blends. Nutritionally, V. locusta is low in calories at approximately 21 kcal per 100 g serving, making it a suitable addition to weight-conscious diets, while providing notable amounts of (35 mg/100 g), iron (1.8 mg/100 g), and beta-carotene (contributing to 215 µg equivalents/100 g). It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid (14 µg/100 g), and other antioxidants that support overall health, including immune function and iron metabolism. In , V. locusta has been employed as a mild to support and blood purification, distinct from the stronger effects of Valeriana officinalis. Modern phytochemical analyses reveal its potential anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to compounds like , which exhibit and activities . Among other species, V. eriocarpa is occasionally foraged in Mediterranean regions, including , for its edible leaves similar to V. locusta, though many non-edible Valerianella species are avoided due to their bitter taste. In , species such as V. radiata and V. umbilicata are foraged for their tender leaves or used as .

References

  1. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11101276
  2. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/genus/valerianella/
  3. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30019025-2
  4. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287435
  5. https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=10573
  6. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=5&taxon_id=134314
  7. https://www.missouriplants.com/Valerianella_radiata_page.html
  8. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.56569
  9. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/corn_salad.htm
  10. https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/natural/heritage/docs/valerianella-radiata-beaked-cornsalad.pdf
  11. https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/11/10/1276
  12. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2418561
  13. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Valerianella+locusta
  14. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/valerianella/locusta/
  15. https://www.diyseeds.org/en/film/corn-salad/
  16. https://brahmsonline.kew.org/Content/Projects/msbp/resources/Training/Colour_in_the_margins_Report.pdf
  17. https://newyork.plantatlas.usf.edu/Genus.aspx?id=964
  18. https://scientific-collections.gbif.org/institution/97397e16-cb30-436e-9cd0-1928e36fa6b0/specimens?entity=o_5081533784&entity=o_5081533645&entity=o_5081534168&entity=o_5081533959&view=dashboard
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  21. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/651243
  22. https://jcoagri.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/intro/article/download/887/669
  23. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2010/797246
  24. http://www.irmng.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=1047779
  25. https://dev.demo.plantatlas.usf.edu/genus/1274
  26. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8837557/
  27. https://profiles.ala.org.au/opus/foa/profile/Caprifoliaceae
  28. https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Lambs_Lettuce_23556.php
  29. https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/corsa104.html
  30. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1439609205000292
  31. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:860316-1
  32. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:860474-1
  33. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:860430-1
  34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2007.01.015
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  36. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:860460-1
  37. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:859709-1
  38. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9146508/
  39. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:859937-1
  40. https://www.nies.go.jp/biodiversity/invasive/DB/detail/81340e.html
  41. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Valerianella%20eriocarpa
  42. https://fermanagh.bsbi.org/valerianella-locusta-l-laterr
  43. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/north_cs.htm
  44. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01227/full
  45. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2011.1686
  46. https://portals.iucn.org/library/efiles/documents/2011-014.pdf
  47. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989419306675
  48. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2009-12-16/html/E9-29699.htm
  49. https://naturebftb.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Broad-fruited_cornsalad_FINAL_LORES.pdf
  50. https://www.cwrnl.nl/en/CWRnl-1/CWRbyname/Valerianella-rimosa-Bastard-1.htm
  51. https://www.infoflora.ch/en/flora/valerianella-eriocarpa.html
  52. https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/species/184776
  53. https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/lambs-lettuce-in-the-garden
  54. https://www.epicgardening.com/mache/
  55. https://deepgreenpermaculture.com/2025/09/06/corn-salad-growing-guide/
  56. https://kokopelli-semences.com/en/p/a-grosses-graines-lamb-s-lettuce
  57. https://www.gardenista.com/posts/gardening-101-mache-valerianella-locusta-plant-guide/
  58. https://www.tititudorancea.com/z/nutrition_facts_valerianella_locusta_cornsalad_raw.htm
  59. https://www.matvaretabellen.no/en/mache-salad/
  60. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3307&context=extension_curall
  61. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7831921/
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