Valeriana Sitchensis, Sitka Valerian

Day 314: Sitka Valerian (Valeriana sitchensis) is common sight in subalpine meadows. It also bears the distinction of having been described in one of the funniest entries in any field guide I've ever read. Aside from the fact that it is highly scented and not altogether pleasantly so, a tea made from the leaves is reputed to have medicinal value if one can get past the flavour which, according to the reference and not validated by personal experience, "tastes like boiled sweat-socks." The scent is less pungent, but still carries a note which may cause your nose to wrinkle until you have accustomed yourself to it as one of the most recognizable odors of the backcountry. You might even find yourself saying, "Ah, the Valerian is in bloom!" before you've observed a single umbel.