TL
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Balsamorhiza sagittata
Plant Common Name
Arrowleaf Balsamroot
General Description
This cheerful golden-flowered perennial is a tough compact mountain dweller. It is native to most western states, and western Canada, where it inhabits forest clearings and sandy outcrops from 1000 feet (304.8 m) up to the timber line. Each plant produces a very large carrot-like root that affords excellent drought resistance where summer rainfall is rare.
The short wide-leaved plants produce individual clumps of emerald green, and put forth many leafless stems topped with golden daisies in late spring. The sunny flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Full sun and well-drained soil are essential for plant health. These perennials are excellent for naturalizing around rural home sites because they are compatible with western grasses. They are also valuable for landscaping in western communities restricted to native plants.
Grow from seed and transplant as very young nursery seedlings so their long tap roots can develop freely in ground. If plants become pot restricted their roots won’t grow as deeply, which will lessen their drought resistance.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 7, 10
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
10"-24" / 25.4cm - 61.0cm
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Width
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
Western United States
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Gold
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
