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EXPLORE > PLANTS > ANGIOSPERMS
Balsamorhiza sagittata
As the name indicates, the leaves are triangular and pointed — reminiscent of an arrowhead. The leaves and stalks are a grayish green in color with leaves covered in thick white fuzz. The flowers of the balsamroot are large (up to 3.5 inches or 8.8 cm in diameter), bright yellow, and bloom during the spring and summer.
It is a common browse plant for a variety of animals The balsamroot was also an important food source for the indigenous people and early pioneers of the Pacific Northwest. Nearly all parts of the plant can be eaten. The roots were baked, steamed or even used as a substitute for coffee; and immature flower steams and seeds could be peeled and eaten raw. The plant has medicinal properties for alleviating pain, swelling and irritation caused by insect bites.
This plant may be confused with a smaller related species, the common woolly sunflower.
Distribution
This plant is common in the colder and drier areas of the western United States. It can be found in grasslands, scrublands and deserts as it is highly drought tolerant. At higher elevations, it will be abundant in mountain meadows or in the understory of conifer forests.
Conservation Status
Common.
Balsamorhiza sagittata
As the name indicates, the leaves are triangular and pointed — reminiscent of an arrowhead. The leaves and stalks are a grayish green in color with leaves covered in thick white fuzz. The flowers of the balsamroot are large (up to 3.5 inches or 8.8 cm in diameter), bright yellow, and bloom during the spring and summer.
It is a common browse plant for a variety of animals The balsamroot was also an important food source for the indigenous people and early pioneers of the Pacific Northwest. Nearly all parts of the plant can be eaten. The roots were baked, steamed or even used as a substitute for coffee; and immature flower steams and seeds could be peeled and eaten raw. The plant has medicinal properties for alleviating pain, swelling and irritation caused by insect bites.
This plant may be confused with a smaller related species, the common woolly sunflower.
Distribution
This plant is common in the colder and drier areas of the western United States. It can be found in grasslands, scrublands and deserts as it is highly drought tolerant. At higher elevations, it will be abundant in mountain meadows or in the understory of conifer forests.
Conservation Status
Common.
