Species Hooker's Balsamroot
dark-yellow flowers with orange center, green leaves and lime stems

Hooker's Balsamroot

Balsamorhiza hookeri

Hooker's Balsamroot is an attractive perennial plant native to the western United States. Its bright yellow flowers are borne on a single long stalk and rise atop its bluish-green foliage. It grows in meadows, dry hillsides, and along roadsides and is drought tolerant once established. It is an excellent choice for dry, rocky soils and is a reliable source of nectar for bee species. Its edible roots have a sweet flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked and its leaves can be used for tea. Its beautiful flowers are sure to add a bright and cheery spot to any sunny garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Ideally, Hooker's Balsamroot should be watered once weekly when the soil is somewhat dry. When watering, it is best to water the plant deeply so that the water reaches the root system. The water should penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, ensuring that the entire root system is saturated. Avoid overwatering, which could lead to root rot. It is important to avoid saturating the foliage as this could lead to damage or fungal infections. Additionally, providing adequate drainage when planting is essential to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot.

sunlight

Hooker's Balsamroot prefers full sun, meaning 6 or more hours of sunlight per day. Generally, it should be planted in south- or west-facing areas with ample exposure to the sun. However, it is tolerant of some shade, given that it still receives direct sun for 3 – 4 hours a day. Its ideal season for growing is late spring, beginning around April, when its vivid yellow flowers emerge and when the amount of available sunlight is more consistent. It tends to be drought tolerant, making it easier for this sun-loving plant to thrive.

pruning

Hooker's Balsamroot should be pruned once per season in late autumn or early winter, after the plant has finished flowering. Pruning should remove any damaged, dead, or weaker stems, as well as any excess stems that crowd the plant’s center. For any stems that remain, cut them back to just above the ground level to help encourage new growth. Pruning should only remove up to a third of the total stems to ensure the plant stays healthy.