Scientific Family
Valerianaceae
Synonyms
Valeriana acutiloba var. ovata, Valeriana ovata
Other common names
tobacco-root
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Valeriana sp.
Height
To 14 inches
Riparian
Yes
Pretty, frilly pink flower clusters top sparse, branching, hollow stems that rise above a basal rosette of oval, dark green leaves.
Stems from rhizomes, thin leaves, a short inflorescence spike (somewhat rounded) and a long corolla tube distinguishes this from
other Valeriana sp.
Habitat
Mostly in moist soils of coniferous forests and along mountain streams.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Low elevation
4500
High elevation
8000
Flower Characteristics
The flowers are tubular and 5-lobed with white stamens and anthers extending beyond the lobes, giving the flower clusters a frilly
appearance. The flowers are to 1/4 inch wide, 1 inch long and are in spiky, round clusters to 2 inches wide.
Flower color
Pinkish-white to light purple
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
July
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The basal leaves are smooth and broadly oval to 2 inches long. The sparse stem leaves are clasping, arrow-shaped and divided into a pair or pairs of narrow lobes, with the end lobe largest and pointed. The stem is smooth and hollow.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Pinnatifid
Leaf margin
Dissected
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Achene