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Balsamorhiza sagittata (Arrowleaf Balsamroot)

Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Arrow-leaf Balsamroot, Breadroot, Oregon Sunflower, Spring Sunflower, Bupthalmium sagittatum

Balsamorhiza sagittata, Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Arrow-leaf Balsamroot, Breadroot, Oregon Sunflower, Spring Sunflower, Bupthalmium sagittatum, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials

Balsamorhiza sagittata (Arrowleaf Balsamroot) is a long-lived perennial forming a basal rosette of arrowhead-shaped, silvery white to green leaves, 2-18 in. long (5-45 cm). From late spring to mid-summer, several flower stems, clad with smaller and linear to elliptic leaves, arise from the root crown. They bear solitary sunflower-like flowers, each blossom with 8-25 strap-shaped ray flowers, 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm), surrounding a center disk. The blossoms are particularly attractive to pollinators and the seeds are eaten by birds and rodents. Arrowleaf Balsamroot is also regarded as desired forage for cattle, sheep, elk, and pronghorn in spring and summer. Arrowleaf Balsamroot has a large and deep taproot, reaching 8 ft. in length (240 cm). Because of the deep taproot, it tolerates fire, grazing, trampling, and drought. Arrowleaf Balsamroot will spread under favorable conditions without becoming invasive. It is perfect for adding long-lasting summer color in naturalized areas and is commonly used in restoration projects. Arrowleaf Balsamroot was widely used as a medicinal plant by various native North American Indian tribes to treat a range of complaints, including body aches, blisters, sores, insect bites, bruises and wounds, fevers, whooping cough, and tuberculosis.

  • Typically grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in silty to loamy, acidic to neutral, dry to moist,& well-drained soils. Tolerates partial shade. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for cottage gardens, bird or butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, and restoration projects.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and strongly resent winter wet.
  • Propagate by seed. Seeds require stratification for germination.
  • Native to western North America from Alberta and British Columbia, east to the Dakotas, and south to Colorado and Arizona.
  • Discover 50 Colorado wildflowers for every season

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Common names Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants California, United States, North Dakota, Midwest, South Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Southwest, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Recommended Companion Plants

Festuca idahoensis (Idaho Fescue)
Artemisia tridentata (Big Sagebrush)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Common names Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants California, United States, North Dakota, Midwest, South Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Southwest, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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