Colorado Wildbuds

Valeriana occidentalis

(Western Valerian)

Valeriana occidentalis, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3356

Valeriana occidentalis, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3357

Upper stem leaves, Valeriana occidentalis, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3362

Lower stem leaves, Valeriana occidentalis, Lower Cataract Lake 5372

Valeriana occidentalis, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 5373

Scientific Name	Valeriana occidentalis	USDA PLANTS Symbol	VAOC2
Common Name	Western Valerian	ITIS Taxonomic Serial No.	35362
Family	Valerianaceae (Valerian)	SEINet Reference	Click Here
Description	Life zones and habitat: Montane to subalpine (6400 to 11000 ft.); moist areas in meadows and hillsides. Plant: Erect perennial up to 30 inches tall; curving, grooved stem. Leaves: Numerous, large basal, spatulate leaves on short petioles; smaller opposite pairs of pinnately-compound stem leaves, each with lanceolate to ovate leaflets, and upper stems divided into linear-lanceolate lobes or leaflets. Inflorence: Very small white flowers less than 1/4-inch across in a compact panicle with opposite branching; flowers are dioecious (separate male and female flowers) or bisexual; 5 pointed lobes/petals; male blossoms with 3 protruding stamens. Bloom Period: July to September. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel, "A Guide to Rocky Mountain Plants" by Nelson and Williams.	BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key	Colorado Status: Native

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