Balsamorhiza

Description

Balsamorhiza is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is commonly known as balsamroot or sunflower, and consists of about 20 species native to North America. The genus name comes from the Greek words balsamum, meaning balsam or resin, and rhiza, meaning root.

Taxonomic Information

| Domain| Eukarya||————-|———-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Magnoliophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Asterales || Family| Asteraceae || Genus| Balsamorhiza |

Appearance

Balsamorhiza plants have large, showy flowers that resemble sunflowers. The flowers are typically yellow, although some species have white or pink flowers. They bloom in the spring and summer. Balsamroot plants have long, narrow leaves that are covered in fine hairs. The stems are also covered in hairs and can grow up to several feet tall. Some species of balsamroot are evergreen, while others are deciduous.

Care Guide

Balsamorhiza plants are relatively easy to care for. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, although they can tolerate some shade. They are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. Fertilization is not necessary, although adding compost or other organic matter to the soil can help improve soil quality. Balsamroot plants are hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Balsamorhiza plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to root rot if they are planted in poorly-drained soil. Aphids and other sap-sucking insects may also infest the plants, although these pests can usually be controlled by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap.

Habitat

Balsamorhiza plants are native to North America, where they grow in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. They are particularly common in the western United States, where they are an important food source for wildlife such as deer and elk. Some species of balsamroot are also used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes.

Question and Answer

Q: Are balsamroot plants invasive?

A: No, balsamroot plants are not considered invasive. They are native to North America and are an important part of many ecosystems.

Q: Can balsamroot plants be grown in containers?

A: Yes, balsamroot plants can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

Q: How do I propagate balsamroot plants?

A: Balsamroot plants can be propagated by seed or by division. Seeds should be planted in the fall or early spring. Division should be done in the spring or fall.

Q: Can balsamroot plants be grown indoors?

A: Balsamroot plants are not typically grown indoors. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, which can be difficult to provide indoors.

Related Plants

Other plants in the sunflower family include:

• Helianthus (sunflowers)
• Echinacea (purple coneflowers)
• Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susans)
• Aster (asters)

References

• “Balsamorhiza.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 July 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balsamorhiza.
• “Balsamorhiza.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282479.
• “Balsamorhiza.” USDA PLANTS Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=BALS.