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rabbithead balsamroot

Scientific Name: Balsamorhiza hookeri var. lagocephala

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Balsamroot: A Botanical Overview

This overview explores various species of Balsamroot, including their characteristics, distribution, and interactions with the environment. The information is compiled from diverse sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of these plants.

Considerations for Pets

  • Balsamroot is attractive to foraging animals like rabbits and mice.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions "deeply dissected leaves" for some species, which could present a minor contact irritant depending on skin sensitivity.
  • Seed heads are present which could be a potential choking hazard.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Names: Several species are mentioned, including:
    • Balsamorhiza sagittata (Arrowleaf Balsamroot)
    • Balsamorhiza deltoidea (Deltoid Balsamroot, also called Puget Balsamroot)
    • Balsamorhiza careyana (Carey's Balsamroot)
    • Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hooker's Balsamroot)
  • Common Names: Other common names mentioned include Rabbit Head Balsamroot, Arrowleaf Balsamroot, steer's head.
  • Family: Asteraceae (mentioned in association with Balsamorhiza careyana and Balsamorhiza hookeri).

Distribution and Habitat

  • Balsamroot species are native to meadows and rocky areas, particularly in regions like Kittitas County.
  • They are found in areas grazed by cattle and inhabited by wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and burrowing owls.
  • Deltoid Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza deltoidea) is noted to be found in British Columbia.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Rabbit Head Balsamroot has deeply dissected leaves and bright single yellow flowers.
  • Arrowleaf Balsamroot is a showy perennial with large, bright flowers.
  • The flower heads turn into seed-pods during the summer. Each head produces dry, smooth seeds that are 0.7-0.8 cm long.

Ecological Role and Interactions

  • Balsamroot is a food source for foraging animals, including deer, rabbits, and mice. Mesh coverings are sometimes used to protect the plants from browsing.
  • It serves as a host plant for certain insects.
  • It can coexist in habitats with other plants like sagebrush, lupine, and rabbitbrush.

Quirky Facts

  • One source mentions finding intact seeds in many-flowered balsamroot seed heads, suggesting a potential for seed dispersal mechanisms or challenges.
  • Hooker's balsamroot is described as a "yellow splash of hidden color," hinting at its beauty and perhaps its less obvious presence in certain environments.