Balsamroot

Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittate) are perennials native to cold, dry areas of western North America, and here in Montana are a clear sign of spring’s arrival. Their beautiful sunflower-like bright yellow blooms become noticeable in the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys in mid-April and flower at increasingly higher elevations into mid-summer.

The leaves are indeed arrow shaped and the entire plant is rich in oil and nutrients. Native Americans peeled and ate the immature flower stems in spring and early summer, and also steamed and baked the plant’s roots and young shoots.