Description. A perennial of the Sunflower family, and growing to 20-8-cm (8-32”) tall, the Arrow-Leaved Balsamroot is likely the most recognizable flower of our native areas. The plant, growing from a woody taproot, has arrowhead-shaped leaves up to 12” long, silvery green and covered with felt-like hairs. Balsamroot blooms in spring, with bright yellow daisy-like blooms, and then goes slowly dormant as the heat of summer increases. The plant can be found carpeting the dry grassy slopes of Knox Mountain Park.

Historical plant use. All parts of the plant were used by the Interior Native peoples as a food source. The young leaves were eaten raw or cooked, the roots were roasted or dried, and the seeds pounded into flour. Elk, deep and sheep graze on Balsamroot throughout the year.