Valeriana sitchensis / Sitka valerian

Adjectives: clonal, disturbed, edible, forest openings, native, understory, undisturbed

Also known as: American valerian, Pacific valerian

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Sitka valerian is rhizomatous perennial that grows as tall as 3 feet. Because of its rhizomatous growth, it can form very large colonies and be a dominant understory plant, especially after fire or logging. It generally grows in wetter places, in both open and shaded conditions.

The leaves vary in size and shape, and are deeply lobed, sometimes so deeply that they appear compound with several leaflets. Most of the leaves are along the stem. Both the stem and leaves lack hairs, or may have small ones. Overall, there are only 2-5 pairs of leaves, oppositely arranged. The lower ones are smaller. Above that, the leaves are stalked, and very deeply lobed with a large end segment. The upper leaves are again smaller with short or no petioles. There are also basal leaves, sometimes, that are similar to the larger stem leaves, or (to make life complicated) undivided. All the leaves may have coarse, blunt teeth, or, as those in the gallery, be entire.

The Sitka valerian inflorescence is a tight head (a cyme) of many white or pink-tinged flowers, each under ½ inch wide. As the inflorescence ages, the flowers (and fruit) become more widely spaced.  Each flower has five corolla lobes. Three whiskery stamens and a single pistil extend beyond these lobes. Flowering can occur from June into August. The species is dioecious and pollinated by bumblebees, flies, butterflies and skippers.

Not much more to say here, except that indigenous peoples cooked and ate the roots, although these are reported to smell not very good. Like other Valerians, Sitka valerian has been used extensively in herbal medicines… but you’ll have to search elsewhere for the details.