Plant Profile: Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Botanical Overview
Latin Name: Balsamorhiza Sagitatta
Plant Family: Asteraceae Family
Identification: This bright yellow flower is one of the first to bloom in the springtime, with large yellow petals, yellow pistil and true to it’s name arrow shaped leaves. These flowers look similar to sunflowers, only growing as tall as about 2 feet. These flowers have a short growing season, but as one of the first blooms of the spring it brings hope for what is yet to come.
Folk Names: Spring Sunflower, Oregon Sunflower, Bread Flower
Chemical Constituents: Arrowleaf Balsamroot has antibacterial and antifungal properties and flavonoids
Plant Uses
Edibility: While these plants appear abundant, before harvesting it is important to know that it takes the average plant multiple years (3-4) in order to fully mature. For this reason, like all plants it is important to harvest ethically, only taking a few from each area. The larger plants with 30+ leaves are considered the “mother plant” and should not be harvested. The Arrowleaf Balsamroot flower is a traditional food source for indigenous tribes with the root containing nearly 30% protein. All parts of the plant are edible, however have different preparations for each part. The roots grow below ground as long as 9ft and are typically around a few inches in diameter. Utilizing the taproot for edibility requires slow long-term cooking, traditionally done in pit cooking. The early leaf shoots can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Both root and leaves hold most nutritional value during the early spring. The seeds are harvested at the end of season and have been used for their oil, ground into a powder for cakes or porridge, or even roasted to eat as a snack.
Health Benefits: Often compared to echinacea, the medicinal benefits of this plant are abundant. The arrow shaped leaves can be applied externally as a bandage to wounds or made into a poultice to fight of infection for cuts, burns and other wounds. The roots contain the highest medicinal value as they contain antibacterial properties which can fight off coughs and a sore throat due to the warming and drying qualities. The roots can act as a expectorant to help clear out stagnant [phlegm and mucous in the sinuses). There are also reports of traditional uses of the root to fight off urinary tract related issues, however over consumption can increase irritation in the kidney. Finally creating an infusion of the plant parts (leaves, petals, roots) and oil can be used externally to increase blood flow and warmth to areas applied. This can support sore muscles, disinfect wounds and help bruising. Ways to harness the medicinal powers of this plant can be through tea, tincture, salves and cold infusions.
Other Properties
Seeing the beautiful blooms of this spring flower is a symbol of the warmth and sun to come in the summer months. This flower has been traditionally used in purification practices and burned as a incense.
Resources:
Gucker, C. (2018). Arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata). Retrieved from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_journals/2018/rmrs_2018_gucker_c001.pdf
Matsuura, H., Saxena, G., Farmer, S.W., Hancock, R., Towers, G.H. (1996). An antibacterial thiophene from Balsamorhiza sagittata. Planta Medica. 62(1): 65-66. Retrieved from: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-2006-957802