Balsamorhiza deltoidea aka Balsam Root

Balsamorhiza deltoidea is a perennial known as deltoid balsamroot. It belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its native range runs from British Columbia south to California. Within the United States, records include Washington, Oregon, and California. It grows in open places rather than shaded sites. Its habitat does not include places with thin soil. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant reaches about 2 feet (0.6 metres) in height. It flowers from May to June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. Its perennial habit makes it a lasting planting for cultivated beds. Choose a site with enough soil depth for its roots. Set young plants where they can stay for the long term.

Grow deltoid balsamroot in full sun and deep, fertile loam. The soil must drain well, as winter wet causes problems. Sandy and loamy soils suit it. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Soil may be dry or moist, but should not stay waterlogged. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. It also reports cold tolerance to at least −25°C. These cold limits do not remove its need for good drainage.

Root disturbance is a key concern when growing this species. Move plants to their final sites while they remain small. Sow seeds in a greenhouse in early spring. Cover them with only a thin layer of growing medium. At 18°C, germination may take two to six days. Individual pots help reduce later handling of the roots. Move seedlings into the garden in summer. Spring division is possible, but difficult because roots dislike disturbance. Small divisions or basal cuttings offer other ways to raise plants. Keep these in pots under light greenhouse shade until growth resumes.

PFAF lists roots, leaves, seeds, and shoots as edible parts. Roots can be eaten raw or cooked. Cooking gives the roots a sweet taste. Young shoots can be eaten raw. Seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, or ground for bread. Ground seeds can also form uncooked cakes. Roasted roots serve as a coffee substitute. PFAF records traditional root use for coughs and colds. This records a past use, not proof of benefit. It reports no known hazards and no weed potential. That hazard note does not establish safety for every use.