Marsh valerian (Valeriana dioica)
Gitxsan name: isxum sganisxw
Wet'suwet'en name: unknown
Botanical Description
- perennial from woody stem-base or stout branched rhizome, 10-40 cm tall,
nearly smooth
- simple, basal leaves, oblong, divided into 3 or more pairs of oval to
lance-shaped lobes
- small white flowers, numerous, tubular, in tight hemispherical to
flat-topped head with protruding styles and stamens
- found in moist meadows, grassy openings and shrub-cans
- low to moderate elevations
Photo courtesy of Frank Boas (48kB)
Ethnobotanical Use
The Gitxsan used this plant as part of a ceremonial
smudge. The whole plant was placed in bear grease and then the grease was smeared onto the
hair and face.
This digital collection was produced under contract to the SchoolNet
Digital Collection Program, Industry Canada.
Revised: 08/21/98
