Sitka Valerian
Valeriana sitchensis
(Wild heliotrope, Mountain heliotrope, Tobaccoroot, Edible tobacco-root)
zones 3-5
30 seeds
The common name, Sitka Valerian, refers to the Russian settlement of Sitka, on Baranof Island (now part of Alaska), where the plant was first collected. It is native to northwestern North America from Alaska and northern Canada to Montana, to northern California where it grows in many types of habitat, including moist mountain forests. It is often one of the most common plants found in moist, sub-alpine forests. This perennial herb produces a stout, erect stem growing to about 24” in height. The leaves vary in size and shape, often having deep lobes or being composed of several leaflets. The flowers are mostly white and have a whiskery, feathery appearance due to the stamens which extend beyond the petals. Valerian blooms from June-August.
Valerian is well-known for its value as a medicinal herb. Wildlife also use it as forage. Some native peoples have traditionally used it as a food source, though it is said to be an “acquired taste”.
Chill the seeds for at least 5 weeks, or hold over the winter in the refrigerator. Valerian can be planted directly into the ground as soon as the possibility of hard frost as passed. Most seeds will take 7-14 days to germinate, but some slower ones can take up to 5 weeks. It takes one month for the leaves to look like Valerian. Valerian prefers rich soil, high in phosphorus and humus, but will tolerate clay soil.
If cultivating valerian for medicinal use, it is best to keep the plant from flowering the first year, thus producing a better root.
Valeriana sitchensis
(Wild heliotrope, Mountain heliotrope, Tobaccoroot, Edible tobacco-root)
zones 3-5
30 seeds
The common name, Sitka Valerian, refers to the Russian settlement of Sitka, on Baranof Island (now part of Alaska), where the plant was first collected. It is native to northwestern North America from Alaska and northern Canada to Montana, to northern California where it grows in many types of habitat, including moist mountain forests. It is often one of the most common plants found in moist, sub-alpine forests. This perennial herb produces a stout, erect stem growing to about 24” in height. The leaves vary in size and shape, often having deep lobes or being composed of several leaflets. The flowers are mostly white and have a whiskery, feathery appearance due to the stamens which extend beyond the petals. Valerian blooms from June-August.
Valerian is well-known for its value as a medicinal herb. Wildlife also use it as forage. Some native peoples have traditionally used it as a food source, though it is said to be an “acquired taste”.
Chill the seeds for at least 5 weeks, or hold over the winter in the refrigerator. Valerian can be planted directly into the ground as soon as the possibility of hard frost as passed. Most seeds will take 7-14 days to germinate, but some slower ones can take up to 5 weeks. It takes one month for the leaves to look like Valerian. Valerian prefers rich soil, high in phosphorus and humus, but will tolerate clay soil.
If cultivating valerian for medicinal use, it is best to keep the plant from flowering the first year, thus producing a better root.
Valeriana sitchensis
(Wild heliotrope, Mountain heliotrope, Tobaccoroot, Edible tobacco-root)
zones 3-5
30 seeds
The common name, Sitka Valerian, refers to the Russian settlement of Sitka, on Baranof Island (now part of Alaska), where the plant was first collected. It is native to northwestern North America from Alaska and northern Canada to Montana, to northern California where it grows in many types of habitat, including moist mountain forests. It is often one of the most common plants found in moist, sub-alpine forests. This perennial herb produces a stout, erect stem growing to about 24” in height. The leaves vary in size and shape, often having deep lobes or being composed of several leaflets. The flowers are mostly white and have a whiskery, feathery appearance due to the stamens which extend beyond the petals. Valerian blooms from June-August.
Valerian is well-known for its value as a medicinal herb. Wildlife also use it as forage. Some native peoples have traditionally used it as a food source, though it is said to be an “acquired taste”.
Chill the seeds for at least 5 weeks, or hold over the winter in the refrigerator. Valerian can be planted directly into the ground as soon as the possibility of hard frost as passed. Most seeds will take 7-14 days to germinate, but some slower ones can take up to 5 weeks. It takes one month for the leaves to look like Valerian. Valerian prefers rich soil, high in phosphorus and humus, but will tolerate clay soil.
If cultivating valerian for medicinal use, it is best to keep the plant from flowering the first year, thus producing a better root.