Valerian

West Coast Mountain Flowers Alpine Speedwell Elephant's Head Lousewort Jeffrey's Shooting Star Mountain Owl's Clover Subalpine Spirea Western Coneflower Western Monkshood White Bog Orchid Cone Peak Meadows Types of Flowers

Valerian is the common name given to a group of flowering plants in the genus Valeriana.

With the exception of some Mid-west States, different Valerian species can be found growing around the United States.

The roots of the plant have a long history of medicinal use, especially as a sleeping aid (see National Institute of Health document). In fact, many of the herbal teas on the market today are a mix of valerian officinalis (an introduced valerian species) with chamomile (flowers in the aster family) and other ingredients.

The plant's flowers come in shades of pink and white. The top picture possibly shows the Sitka Valerian (Valeriana sitchensis), a common white flowering valerian found growing in mountain areas along the West Coast.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels.