Celtic spikenard

Valeriana celtica is a wild-growing high mountain plant from the valerian genus that is found in Austria, Italy, France and Switzerland. This plant reaches a maximum height of 15 centimetres and prefers lime-poor soils at altitudes above 1800 meters that are free of trees. Towards the end of summer, when the leaves of the plant turn yellow, its characteristic valerian scent is released. The essential oil of the speik plant is obtained by extraction from dried parts of the plant.