Arrowleaf balsmroot a sure sign of spring in Western Montana
Arrowleaf balsmroot is named for its large arrow shaped leaves and all parts of the plant are edible. One could never tell by looking at it that it has a taproot that can weigh up to 30 pounds. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
Is this year a bumper crop of arrowleaf balsmroot as it appears more abundant, brighter, and in more places? “Honestly, I don't feel this year is anything particularly phenomenal as far as the arrowleaf balsamroot goes,” shared Dave Brink, MSU Extension Agent for Mineral County. “I think people just forget from year to year how prevalent it is across the landscape of western Montana. People tend to make similar claims when the vetch starts blooming and covers Bald Hill west of Keystone.”
This yellow flower is also known as breadroot, spring sunflower and Oregon sunflower. It’s a member of the aster family and is a perennial plant native to this area and the west coast and specifically in the Intermountain West and Rocky Mountains region. It grows best in well-drained soil with full exposure to sunlight which we can vouch for while enjoying it today on the open hillsides. The first flowers normally burst with color around Mother’s Day each May.
The plant may be harvested and used including the leaves, seeds, roots, root bark and sap. The common uses are for immune systems support and respiratory support.
Indigenous groups in North America used it for various purposes as the seeds are valuable as both a food source and an oil as well as it can be dried and ground up as a flour alternative. The leaves were turned into poultice for burns and other wounds and the roots can be used as a substitute for coffee when dried. Below ground it has a tap root that helps control erosion of soils, and this can weigh up to 30 pounds.
This spring is not necessarily a heavy crop for arrowleaf balsamroot. It just may look and feel that way because the winter was especially long, and this yellow flower is a welcome sign for all.