Genus: Valeriana from Latin valere 'to be in health'
Species: sitchensis for Sitka Alaska where Mertens first collected around 1833
aka Mountain Heliotrope. The oldest reference is to the Roman Valerius who first used a tincture of the roots in medicine. Since the plant produces a strong order at times the Alaskan Tlingit name is 'medicine that stinks.' The small white to pinkish flowers, however, are quite beautiful forming a hemispheric floral head 1" - 3" (2 - 7 cm) across. The square stems can rise 1 - 4' and stand out in any environment. The relatively large leaves, to 10", grow in opposite pairs on the stem. Common in meadows, alongs streams to 6,500' elevation. (ref. Clark, Pojar, Strickler)
Trail Notes:
Trail/Hike: Glacier Basin
Date: July 28, 2007
Location: within 1.o mi. east of the Glacier Basin camp
