Scouler's Heliotrope, Scouler's Valerian: Valeriana scouleri (Synonyms: Valeriana sitchensis ssp. scouleri, Valeriana sitchensis var. scouleri) - Plants smaller, measuring 10-60 cm high with numerous basal leaves and few to many stem leaves. The basal leaves are generally larger than the stem leaves. The leaf segments are generally entire but some may be toothed. Fruits narrower, lance-linear to lance-oblong in shape.
Mountain Heliotrope, Sitka Valerian: Valeriana sitchensis (Synonyms: Valeriana sitchensis var. hookeri, Valeriana sitchensis ssp. sitchensis, Valerianella sitchensis) - Plants 60-120 cm high with numerous stem leaves and few if any basal leaves at bloom. When present, the basal leaves range from smaller to slightly larger than those on the stem. The leaf segments generally have wavy margins with rounded teeth, although the margins may occasionally be entire. Fruits broader, ovate to oblong-ovate in shape.