Balsamorhiza macrophylla
Location in Utah
Balsamroot in Wasatch Mtns.
Cutleaf Balsamroot
Family: Asteraceae
Group/Duration: Dicot/Perennial
Location: Balsamorhiza macrophylla is found in cold deserts and mesic areas. It can be found in areas of Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. B. macrophylla is native to the US.
Size: At maturity the plant can reach to a height of 2 ft. tall. B. macrophlla’s roots grow to a depth of 18 inches. The leaves are each 30-60 cm. long and are divided into deeply toothed segments 5-12 cm. long.
Flowers: The flowers are large and yellow in color. They usually grow as a solitary unit (like sunflower heads). The rays of the flowers extend 3-6 cm. long. Flowers usually appear in late June to early July.
Growth: Balsamorhiza macrophylla actively grows in the spring months. The roots grow in a branched root grown. There must be a minimum of 100 frost free days for growth. Precipitation ranging from 14-40 inches is also a necessity for growth. The minimum temperature the plant can survive at is negative 23 degrees Fahrenheit. Balsamorhiza macrophylla is minimally tolerant to droughts and anaerobic environments. Soil pH should range between 6.3 to 8.6 for optimal growth. The leaves of B. macrophylla give off a turpentine odor which is characteristic of Balsamroot plants. There are hairs on the stems of the flower. These hairs range from short and stiff to long and dispersed and provide limited protection for the plant.
Reproduction: Balsamorhiza macrophylla reproduces sexually. The seeds are brown in color and are released in mid to late spring. There is a slow seed spread from parent and the seeds show minimal vigor, meaning they are not provided with much protection or nutrients.
Economic and Ecological Impacts: Balsamorhiza macrophylla is moderately palatable to graze animals, although it has a low protein content. Balsamorhiza macrophylla is also palatable to humans.