(Edible Valerian)

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Valeriana edulis var. edulis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 1285

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Valeriana edulis var. edulis, FR 265, Gunnison Co. 8299

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Valeriana edulis var. edulis, FR 265, Gunnison Co. 8305

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Valeriana edulis var. edulis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 1280

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Valeriana edulis var. edulis, Lower McCullough Gulch, Summit Co. 2363

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Valeriana edulis var. edulis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 1302

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Valeriana edulis var. edulis, FR 265, Gunnison Co. 8310

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Valeriana edulis var. edulis, FR 265, Gunnison Co. 3075

Scientific Name Valeriana edulis var. edulis USDA PLANTS Symbol VAEDE
Common Name Edible Valerian, Tobacco Root ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 35360
Family Valerianaceae (Valerian) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Montane and subalpine (6200 to 12700 ft.); moist areas in meadows, hillsides.
Plant: Erect, smooth perennial up to 48 inches tall, depending on conditions.
Leaves: Numerous, large basal leaves on short petioles, linear to obovate-shaped up to 6 inches long; smaller opposite stem leaves in 2 to 6 pairs, mostly pinnately-lobed with narrow segments; leaves have hairless surfaces but edges have closely-spaced, extremely small hairs giving a white appearance.
Inflorence: Very small greenish-white flowers much less than 1/4-inch across in a compact panicle with opposite branching; flowers are dioecious (separate male and female flowers) or bisexual; lobes/petals rolled up; male blossoms with 3 slightly protruding stamens.
Bloom Period: June to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, EFLORA-BC, Burke Museum-Univ. of Washington and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains