Valeriana sitchensis, commonly known as Sitka valerian, is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to the moist alpine and subalpine meadows, as well as the open coniferous forests of northwestern North America. This includes regions such as Alaska, northern Canada, Montana, and northern California. Sitka valerian typically grows up to 28 inches tall and features stout, erect stems. The leaves are pinnately divided and can vary greatly in size and shape along the stem. From late spring to early summer, it produces an inflorescence consisting of a cyme of small, fragrant white or pink-tinged flowers that are attractive to pollinators.

In cultivation, Sitka valerian is appreciated for its naturalistic appearance and ability to attract beneficial insects. It is used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a border plant in cooler climates. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While it is not commonly used for culinary purposes due to the unpleasant scent of its roots, it has historical medicinal uses by Native Americans who cooked and ate the roots and made poultices for various treatments. Sitka valerian can spread by rhizomes, forming colonies, which should be considered when planting to avoid unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0