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cutleaf balsamroot
Scientific Name: Balsamorhiza macrophylla
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cutleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza macrophylla)
Cutleaf Balsamroot, scientifically known as Balsamorhiza macrophylla Nutt., is a vibrant wildflower native to western North America. This plant, with its cheerful yellow blooms, is a welcome sign of spring in its native habitats.
Common Names
- Cutleaf Balsamroot
- Large Leaf Balsamroot
- Large-leaf Balsamroot
- Bigleaf Balsamroot
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Balsamorhiza macrophylla Nutt.
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms:
- Balsamorhiza hookeri var. idahoensis (Sharp) Cronquist
- Balsamorhiza macrophylla var. idahoensis Sharp
- Plant Symbol: BAMA4
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America (United States and Canada).
- Commonly found in the Wasatch Mountains, including areas like Muller Park in Davis County, Utah, at elevations around 5,450 feet.
- Also found in the Great Basin region and crossing into Idaho.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- A forb/herb (a non-woody plant).
- Reaches up to 2 feet in height.
- Leaves are deeply cleft.
- Often among the earliest plants to produce leaves and flowers in spring.
Ecological Role
- Its yellow flowers, along with Mule-Ears, are a herald of spring on the foothills.
- Similar to Arrowleaf Balsamroot but is larger with deeper clefts in leaves and less drought-tolerant.
Further Information
- USDA NRCS Idaho Plant Materials Center
- http://extension.usu.edu
- Garden Guides
- Dave's Garden