The leaves of Arrowleaf balsamroot in the Spring are just delicious. They look so fresh and alive as compared to the leaves in the summer when they are dusty and desiccated. The color is such a contrast to the surrounding plants, softly glaucescent and covered in fine hairs. This pubescence gives the plant a slight advantage and protection from heat and drought. I like the long bloom of this plant giving the mountain slopes a splash of color spring into summer.

Just the Facts
Balsamorhiza sagittata, Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Family Asteracea, Sunflower Family
Height 8″-36″
Blooms May-June
Habitat Open hills and sage flats, foothills to montane
Key ID’s–Long, arrow-shaped silvery green leaves, bright yellow composite flowers