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.

Pacific valerian

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Valeriana sitchensis

Last reviewed: September 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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Pacific valerian.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts

A 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Pacific valerian? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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