Balsamorhiza deltoidea
Drought-tolerant western North American perennial with large basal triangular leaves, a deep taproot, bright yellow flower heads, and sun-loving characteristics commonly grown in dry gardens.
Common Names
Deltoid Balsamroot
Summary
Deltoid balsamroot is a herbaceous perennial native to western North America from British Columbia to California, growing from a deep taproot with basal leaves that are large and deltoid triangular, up to 25 cm long and 20 cm wide; flowering stems reach up to 90 cm and carry large yellow flower heads with ray and disk florets, blooming in spring to early summer, forming dense clusters and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies in open habitats like prairies, chaparral openings, and forest edges in full sun to light shade.
Cultivation notes indicate hardiness to at least -25°C (USDA zones 4–8); prefers deep, fertile, well-drained loam in full sun; winter wet is detrimental and root disturbance should be avoided. Propagation is by seed sown in early spring with germination 2–6 days at 18°C, while division in spring is difficult, so small divisions are best planted in permanent positions. Edible parts include leaves, root, seeds, and shoots, with roots roasted as a coffee substitute and seeds ground into bread; native use includes a decoction of split roots for coughs and colds, and landscape/restoration uses encompass drought-tolerant plantings that support pollinators and contribute to soil stabilization.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
1-3 feet
Spread
1-2 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 6a-8b
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally full sun. Partial shade also possible.
Soil Type
Well-drained soil
Soil Drainage
Well-drained soil
Soil pH
6.0-7.5, Slightly acidic to neutral
Bloom Color
Yellow
Bloom Time
Spring to Summer
Foliage Color
Gray-green
Fall Foliage Color
Yellow
Leaf Lifecycle
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Slow growth; drought-only requires several years for substantial root development, irrigation can reach flowering size in about 1 year, and 4-8 years to reach maturity.
Seasons of Interest
Spring and Summer
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- Nutt.
- Publication
- Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. , ser. 2, 7: 351 (1840)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Asterales
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Genus
- Balsamorhiza