Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Valeriana sitchensis
Valeriana sitchensis Bong.
Mountain Helioptrope, Sitka Valerian
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.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AK , CA , ID , MT , OR , WACanada: AB , BC , ON
Native Distribution: S. Yukon & s. AK, s. to w. MT, c. ID & n. CA; absent from Coast Ranges of OR & lowands 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.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
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 |
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: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff