SafePlants

Carey's Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza careyana)

Carey's Balsamroot, scientifically known as Balsamorhiza careyana, is a vibrant wildflower belonging to the sunflower tribe. Its bright yellow flowers make it a striking sight in its native habitat.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Balsamorhiza careyana A. Gray
• Common Name: Carey's Balsamroot
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
• Synonyms:
  • Careyana
  • Careyana var. Carey's Balsamroot
  • Intermediate Balsamroot
  • Rimrock Flora

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America, including the United States and Canada.
• Specifically found east of the Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon.
• Commonly found in dry, open habitats, ranging from lower elevations up into pine forests and shrub-steppe environments.
• Observed in areas such as Snow Mountain Ranch and Cowiche Mountain Trail near Yakima, Washington.
• Grows in the Columbia River Gorge.

Morphological Characteristics

• A perennial plant growing from a deep-seated, woody taproot.
• Forms a bushy plant with numerous basal leaves and stems ranging from 2 to 10 decimeters in length.
• Leaves are shiny green, heart-shaped with white venation, and measure between 6 and 20 inches long.
• Features large, flat flower heads with a yellowish central disk approximately 2.5 cm wide.
• The central disk is surrounded by 8 to 13 yellow ray flowers that persist on the plant.
• Multiple stems.

Ecological Role

• Drought-tolerant perennial, similar to Balsamorhiza sagittata.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Attracts pollinators like bees.

Further Information

• UW Burke Museum
• Dave's Garden