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California balsamroot
Scientific Name: Balsamorhiza macrolepis var. macrolepis
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
California Balsamroot
California Balsamroot, scientifically known as Balsamorhiza macrolepis, is a beautiful wildflower native to western North America.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- A "Safe Plant Rating" indicates that California Balsamroot is considered unsafe for both children and dogs. However, the specific reasons for this rating are not detailed in the provided text.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Balsamorhiza macrolepis
- Common Names: California Balsamroot, Big Scale Balsam Root
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
- Rank: Species
- Varieties: The text mentions Balsamorhiza macrolepis var. macrolepis and Balsamorhiza macrolepis var. platylepis.
- Synonyms: Balsamorhiza deltoidea (Deltoid Balsamroot), Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hooker's Balsamroot) are mentioned as very similar species and could be considered synonyms in some contexts.
Distribution and Habitat
California Balsamroot is native to western North America, including the United States and Canada. It is specifically found in:
- California (Central and Northern California, Sierra Nevada Mountains)
- Oregon (Willamette Valley)
- Washington (Columbia Hills)
- British Columbia
It thrives in open places and from low to high elevations.
Morphological Characteristics
- California Balsamroot is described as a perennial forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that lives for more than two years.
- Deltoid Balsamroot is a large perennial that produces one or more crowns.
Traditional Uses
- Native Americans traditionally used parts of the plant for food and medicine. The text does not specify which parts or uses.
Related Species
The text also mentions Balsamorhiza sagittata (Arrowleaf Balsamroot) as a related species that shares similar distribution and characteristics.
Further Information
More information can be found on:
- Discover Life: Provides details on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Balsamorhiza macrolepis.