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Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

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.

From the Image Gallery

8 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AK , CA , ID , MT , OR , WA
Canada: 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 Shade
Soil 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

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 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 Plants
FNA: Find Valeriana sitchensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Valeriana sitchensis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-03-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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