(Western Valerian)
Valeriana occidentalis, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3356
Valeriana occidentalis, FR 612, Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3357
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 |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains