SafePlants

Balsamorhiza hookeri

Also known as Hairy Balsamroot or Hooker's Balsamroot, Balsamorhiza hookeri is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae (Aster) family.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the plant is hairy, which could indicate the presence of fine hairs that might be irritating if ingested or come into contact with skin.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is hairy, which could indicate the presence of fine hairs that might be irritating if ingested or come into contact with skin.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Balsamorhiza hookeri
• Common Names: Hairy Balsamroot, Hooker's Balsamroot
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
• Synonyms: Balsamorhiza hirsuta (sometimes used synonymously, though the text also distinguishes them)
• Varieties: Balsamorhiza hookeri var. hirsuta is specifically mentioned. Balsamorhiza hookeri var. hispidula is also listed as hairy balsamroot

Distribution and Habitat

• Primarily found east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon and Washington.
• Also found in California, Nevada (Black Rock Desert), and Wyoming (based on the mention of Plantilla:Plantae Mundi/Lugares/California, Plantilla:Plantae Mundi/Fuentes/WYPS).
• One occurrence is documented at Chukar Park.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A perennial herb, growing to approximately 0.3 meters (1 foot) in height and width.
• Hardy to zone 5 (UK).
• Flowers from May to June.
• Characterized by a hairy, glandular stem.
• Leaves are basal, feathery, and hairy, ranging from 4 to 12 inches in length, divided into linear-oblong segments. They rise from a thick root.
• Flowers are bright orange-yellow with yellow rays and a darker yellow disk.
• Flower heads usually solitary, lined with hairy, pointed phyllaries. Involucre is hairy. Rays 10-16, 1.5-3.5 cm long.

Ecological Role

• Utilized by livestock and big game.
• Rated as desirable forage.
• The text alludes to its interaction with pollinators, as bees use their long, hairy tongues to gather pollen and nectar from its flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Bees are pollinators of the plant, collecting pollen and nectar from the flowers.
• It serves as a food source for livestock and big game.

Further Information

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a resource mentioned in the text.
• USU Extension (Dr. Roger Banner) is another source of information.
• Black Rock Desert Nevada wiki is also referenced.