(Edible Valerian)
Valeriana edulis var. edulis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 1285
Valeriana edulis var. edulis, FR 265, Gunnison Co. 8299
Valeriana edulis var. edulis, FR 265, Gunnison Co. 8305
Valeriana edulis var. edulis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 1280
Valeriana edulis var. edulis, Lower McCullough Gulch, Summit Co. 2363
Valeriana edulis var. edulis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 1302
Valeriana edulis var. edulis, FR 265, Gunnison Co. 8310
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