| Balsamroot has a 'balsam' smell to its taproots. This perennial grows to between 20-80 cm. Balsamroom has soft, hairy stems and leaves. Balsamroot leaves are large (up to 30 cm.) - covered with soft hairs - silvery, olive green or greyish green - on long stalks - grow from the base. The flowers have yellow rays with a darker yellow disk - hairy at the base - flower stems can be 10-30 in. tall - up to 4 in. across - each flower on a seperate stem. Balsamroot is found at low to mid elevations - Balsamroot enjoys hot, dry climates; grasslands, forests and rocky slopes. All of the plant can be eaten: leaves - raw or steamed (also used for tobacco): taproots - dried, roasted or steamed: seeds - pounded for use as a flour or eaten raw - Balsamroot is a popular food for wildlife and domestic animals - once the flowers are gone and the leaves faded, it is hard to find evidence of the plant |
