Arrow-leaf balsamroot

Description:

The leaves are arrow shaped, meaning that the blades are triangular and pointed. They can be from two-thirds to one and two-thirds of a foot long. The leaf blades are fuzzy, especially on the top (adaxial) side. B. sagittata has beautiful, bright yellow flowers: in fact, another common name for it is "Oregon sunflower"

Habitat:

This plant's Latin name corresponds with its common name, which in turn well describes the plant. Arrowleaf balsamroot, a plant of the Asteraceae (sunflower family) is fairly common in cold, dry areas of the West, from the Sierra Nevada west to Colorado, and into Canada. It may be found most abundant in mountain fields, but can also be a common plant in the understory of conifer forests.

Notes:

Nearly all parts of this plant were used as food by various Native American groups. The roots may be baked or steamed and eaten, as well as the young shoots. The immature flower stems could be peeled and eaten; the flowers themselves are good browse for wildlife. Balsamroot seeds are nutritious and oil-rich, another good source of food. The root could be used as a coffee substitute. It was also used medicinally.