Valerianaceae

Valeriana sitchensis

Sitka Valerian

Erect sturdy stems, most leaves along stem. Leaves deeply lobed or coarsely toothed, hairless to slightly hairy. Inflorescence is tight head at stem top. Flowers white or pale pink tubes opening to 5 lobes, stamens and pistil extending beyond lobes. Grows in wet places at mid- to alpine elevations. Common species in North Cascades subalpine meadows. Distinguished from V. scouleri by coarsely toothed leaf margins, more stem leaves, flowers more often white than pink.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Mid Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 12--48 inches
• Habitat: Meadow, West-Side Forest, Alpine
• Found In: Crater Lake Np, Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np, West Gorge, Siskiyous
• Native: Yes