Valeriana sitchensis

Valeriana sitchensis, as treated here (following Kartesz 1994 and 1999), excludes Valeriana scouleri and V. uliginosa, each sometimes considered varieties or subspecies of a more broadly viewed V. sitchensis. LEM 23Jan01.

Valeriana sitchensis occurs in Alaska and thoughout western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest south into northwestern California. It is widespread and often abundant at middle to high elevations in the Northwest Pacific Coastal Region. This species, which favors subalpine meadows and forests may be threatened by over-grazing, soil compaction, and land conversion. The roots of Valeriana sitchesis are harvested from the wild for medicinal use and this species is the most popular wild-collected plant in the genus Valeriana. However the market for this species is relatively limited and the cultivated stock of Valeriana officialis is preferred in the herbal market. Reports that Valeriana sitchensis is a viable substitute for V. officialis suggest that wild populations and demand should be monitored over time. The G5 rank corresponds to the S5 rank in British Columbia.

The range of Valeriana sitchensis in Canada includes Yukon, Mackenzie, British Columbia and Alberta. In the U.S. it occurs in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, northwestern California, Idaho and Montana.

Grazing by caribou may pose a threat to this species. Soil compaction caused by walking or collecting plants in patches growing on wet soils can be detrimental. Valeriana sitchensis is the most popular wild-collected species of the genus and its roots are typically harvested (Vance et al. in press). However, its use and the incidence of wild-collecting is likely "limited and sporadic" (McGuffin pers. comm. December 2000). Valeriana sitchensis is openly available in the herbal market and may also be used covertly as a substitute for V. officialis, the species most utilized by the medicinal industry and one that is commercially cultivated (pers. comm. A. Bentley, October 2000; pers. comm. N. Vance, November 2000). If the entire root is collected, there is a long regeneration time. Therefore, it is advisable to wait to collect this plant until seeds have dispersed (occurs within days of maturation) or to plant seeds at the time of harvest (Vance et al. in press) to alleviate threats to long-term population viability.