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Valeriana acutiloba
Valeriana acutiloba Rydb.
Sharpleaf Valerian, Downy-fruit Valerian
Valerianaceae (Valerian Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: VAAC
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Small, slightly bilaterally symmetrical, white flowers in branched clusters atop a stem with largest leaves at base.
The mostly undivided, basal leaves help distinguish this from other similar species, which have divided leaves. This species is variable, and by some botanists is divided into at least three species: Cordilleran Valerian (V. acutiloba), the most southwesterly, has hairless leaves and stems; Downy-fruit Valerian (V. pubicarpa), more westerly, has hairless leaves but hairy stems; California Valerian (V. californica), also westerly, has hairy leaves and stems. Valeriana comes from the Latin valere ("to be strong") and refers to the medicinal qualities of the plants. Extracts were used as a nerve tonic and are said, under certain circumstances, to relax better than opium. Valerian was one of 72 ingredients Mithridates, king of Pontus in the second century b.c., compounded as an antidote to poison, using poisoned slaves as test subjects.
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , SD , UT , WA , WYNative Distribution: Southwestern Montana southwest to northern California, southern Sierra Nevada, northern Arizona, and New Mexico.
Native Habitat: Open, rocky slopes in mountains, often near water or snowbanks.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FAC | FACU |
Web Reference
Webref 74 - Southwest Colorado Wildflowers (2020) Rocky Mountain Biological LaboratoryWebref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Valeriana acutiloba in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Valeriana acutiloba in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Valeriana acutiloba
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-23Research By: TWC Staff