The flowers are small, white (occasionally pink), and ± crowded (at least when young) into rather dense inflorescences. The corolla is slightly bilaterally symmetrical, with 3 (or 4) stamens inserted on the tube, and the inferior ovary is composed of 3 carpels of which only 1 develops a seed.

1. Cauline leaves deeply pinnately lobed or even compound; calyx developing into a conspicuous plumose pappus; plant a perennial with stout, strong-scented roots or rhizomes.

Valeriana

1. Cauline leaves (like the basal) unlobed, entire or slightly toothed; calyx minute or virtually absent even in fruit; plant a slender-rooted annual.

Valerianella