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Valeriana sitchensis
Valeriana sitchensis Bong.
Sitka Valerian, Mountain Helioptrope
Valerianaceae (Valerian Family)
Synonym(s): Valeriana sitchensis ssp. sitchensis, Valeriana sitchensis var. hookeri
USDA Symbol: VASI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
A conspicuous, stately perennial with a 2-3 ft. stalk bearing opposite leaves with coarsely toothed leaflets, and a rounded clusters of small, tubular, aromatic flowers. The flowers are generally white but may have a pinkish tinge. Stamens protrude conspicuously. In fruit, each flower is transformed into a tiny, plumed parachute.
In subalpine meadows where the protection of trees and other taller vegetation is lacking, Sitka Valerian may be only 6-10 in. tall.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , ID , MT , OR , WACanada: AB , BC , NT , YT
Native Distribution: S. Yukon & s. AK, s. to w. MT, c. ID & n. CA; absent from Coast Ranges of OR & lowlands of the Puget trough.
Native Habitat: Wet meadows & moist, open woods at mid to high elevations.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist soils.
Conditions Comments: In subalpine meadows where the protection of tree and other taller vegetation is lacking, Sitka valerian may be only 6-10 in. tall.
Propagation
Description: Can be grown from seeds or pieces of rhizome.Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FAC | FAC |
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 36 - Jepson eFlora (2019) The Jepson Herbarium, University of California, Berkeley
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Valeriana sitchensis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Valeriana sitchensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Valeriana sitchensis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-03-01Research By: TWC Staff