Balsamorhiza sagittata

Common Names

Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Breadroot, Spring Sunflower, Oregon Sunflower, Graydock

Summary

Arrowleaf balsamroot is a long‑lived perennial herb in the Asteraceae family native to western North America. It forms a basal clump with large arrowhead-shaped, silvery leaves and tall flowering stalks bearing bright yellow, sunflower-like flower heads atop a thick balsam-scented taproot.

In cultivation it prefers full sun and dry, well‑drained soils, and is drought‑tolerant once established; it is commonly used for restoration, erosion control, and ornamental plantings in naturalized or cottage gardens. Propagation is by seed and requires prolonged cool–moist stratification for germination; transplanting from bare root or wilding stock is challenging; it is a long‑lived plant with a lifespan of 40+ years and provides forage for wildlife, with seeds eaten by birds and rodents.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-24 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Deep, well-drained soils with neutral pH 6.5–8 and low salinity; fine- to coarse-textured.

Soil Drainage

Deep, well-drained soils.

Soil pH

6.5-8.0

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring to early summer

Foliage Color

Glaucous gray-green to blue-green foliage, often with silvery or silvery-gray tones.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow-growing; 3–6 years to reach reproductive maturity.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds