British Columbia Outdoor Wilderness Guide |
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Balsamroot
(Balsamorhiza sagittata)
a.k.a. arrow-leaved balsamroot, spring flowers
Balsamroot
has a 'balsam' smell to its taproots. This
perennial grows to between 20-80 cm. Balsamroom has
soft, hairy stems and leaves.
- LEAVES:
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Balsamroot leaves are large (up to 30 cm.)
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covered with soft hairs
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silvery, olive green or greyish green
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on long stalks
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grow from the base
- FLOWERS:
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Balsamroot flowers have yellow rays with a darker
yellow disk
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hairy at the base
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flower stems can be 10-30 in. tall
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up to 4 in. across
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each flower on a seperate stem
- FRUIT:
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single seeds; slight ribbing
- HABITAT:
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Balsamroot is found at low to mid elevations
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Balsamroot enjoys hot, dry climates; grasslands,
forests and rocky slopes throughout BC
- FASCINATING
FACTS:
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all of the plant can be eaten: leaves - raw
or steamed (also used for tobacco): taproots
- dried, roasted or steamed: seeds - pounded
for use as a flour or eaten raw
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Balsamroot is a popular food for wildlife and
domestic animals
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once the flowers are gone and the leaves faded,
it is hard to find evidence of the plant
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