Pacific valerian
Valeriana sitchensis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Pacific valerian (Valeriana sitchensis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–40" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies, beetles, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA moisture-loving perennial forb that forms clumps of deeply divided leaves topped by rounded clusters of small, fragrant white to pale pink flowers in summer. Common in wet meadows, streambanks, and subalpine to alpine slopes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pacific valerian is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: rain garden, woodland edge, moist border planting.
- Needs consistently moist soil and may struggle or go dormant early in dry front-yard conditions
- Spreads by rhizome in favorable wet sites
Wildlife value
Flower clusters draw a wide range of pollinating insects including native bees, flies, and beetles. Foliage is browsed by deer and elk in high-elevation meadows.
Common questions
- How much sun does Pacific valerian need?
- Pacific valerian grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Pacific valerian bloom?
- Pacific valerian blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Pacific valerian native?
- Pacific valerian (Valeriana sitchensis) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Pacific valerian attract?
- Pacific valerian draws bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies.
- Is Pacific valerian HOA-friendly?
- Pacific valerian is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Pacific valerian? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz