Sitka valerian is one of the most abundant wildflowers in damp alpine meadows. It graces the meadows on Tod Mountain, Mount Revelstoke, and Trophy Meadows in the summer. It is a perennial that grows 1 to 4 feet tall from a woody base. Leaves are found in 2-5 pairs up the stem. The flowers are pink-white and fade to white over the season.

Valerian has been widely used by First Nations people as a medicinal ingredient and it can be purchased as a herbal remedy today for an aid to sleep, relaxation, and as an analgesic. We hike into the meadows and we know valerian is growing because of the sour smell it gives off. The flowers, though, are sweet-scented.

In July a few wildflowers proliferate and fill the alpine meadows. Paintbursh provides the blues. Lupines the purples. False solomon’s seal the greens. Arnica and avalanche lily the yellows. Spring beauties, marsh marigold, chickweed,and anemone the whites. Valerian provides the delicate white-pinks standing tall.