Okanagan Sunflower - the Arrowleaf Balsomroot


For a few weeks every year, usually in early to mid-April, a native perineal covers the slopes around Kelowna with its bright yellow blooms.  These hardy plants are locally called the Okanagan sunflower, but are more properly called the Arrowleaf Balsomroot.

Known also as Kelowna's official flower, the balsomroot is an edible plant that many ungulates (deer, sheep, cattle) enjoy.  They eat both the foilage and flower, the young shoots are supposedly a good source of protein (up to 30%).  The seeds serve as fodder for both birds and rodents.

Natives have a history of using the plant medicinally.  The roots are of primary interest and are used in poltices, infusions, and smoke to treat a variety of conditions including aches, blisters, sores, insect bites, and fevers.  The plant was also eaten by several tribes, both raw and cooked.  The dried roots were ground to make a kind of flour used in baking.

I was out today taking photos, the above photo is a stitched image taken from a hillside not too far from my house.  I have a few others I will post tomorrow.

I have to say that I quite like Kelowna.  Nature is not too far away, and the glorious appearance of these flowers every spring adds to that allure.

Source:  USDA plant guide

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com

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