Arrowleaf Balsamroot

The name Arrowleaf Balsamroot comes from the leaf shape (Arrowleaf) and the fragrant resin in the roots that smells like balsam fir (balsamroot). Also known as the Oregon Sunflower, it has sunny yellow flowers. The Balsamroot is found in open, fairly dry situations such as southerly exposures among the Serviceberry and Ponderosa Pine.

Another eatable native plant on the Saltese, the roots may be baked or steamed and eaten, as well as the young shoots. The immature flower stems can be peeled and eaten. The flowers themselves are good browse for wildlife. Balsamroot seeds are nutritious and oil-rich, another good source of food. The root could be used as a coffee substitute. It was also used medicinally.

The secrete to the Arrowleaf Balsamroot’s survival in the dry summers is a serious taproot – it can reach up to 8 feet deep. This taproot system also helps it survive through fire.

Like the rest of the sunflower family, its flowers are actually inflorescences composed of numerous tiny flowers. For example, each of the petals is actually a single flower . When taken together, these flowers create the illusion of a ring of petals around a single flower.