SafePlants

Hoary Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza incana)

Balsamorhiza incana, commonly known as Hoary Balsamroot, is a perennial herb native to western North America. This plant, belonging to the sunflower tribe, is known for its attractive foliage and flowers.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Balsamorhiza incana Nutt.
• Common Name: Hoary Balsamroot
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Sunflower family)
• Order: Dicot
• Rank: Species
• Nomenclatural Reference: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. ser. 2, 7: 350. 1840 Oct-Dec 1840
• Synonyms: (No synonyms explicitly provided in the text, but related species like Balsamorhiza deltoidea and Balsamorhiza hookeri are mentioned.)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America, including the United States and Canada.
• Specifically found in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington.
• Grows on drier, more shallow sites.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial plant, growing to approximately 0.9 meters (3 feet) in height.
• Leaves are largely basal, ranging from 10 to 45 cm long.
• Leaves are lance-shaped to oblong, pinnately divided to the central vein, sometimes with toothed segments.
• Described as having wavy, pubescent (covered with fine, short hairs) leaves.
• Flowers resemble smaller sunflowers.
• Plant height varies between 8-36 inches tall.

Quirky Facts

• Hoary Balsamroot is part of the sunflower tribe but has smaller flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mentioned in connection with Idaho Fescue, Prairie Junegrass, and Hawkweed species concerning stocking density and preference.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden
• U.S. Department of the Interior (Zumwalt Prairie Preserve as a National Natural Landmark)