Arrow-leaved balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) is a perennial in the Asteracaea (sunflower) family.    It has a long, woody taproot and a branched base.  The basal stems are glandular and slightly hairy.  the basal eaves are triangular (arrow-leaved) at the ends of long stems.    They start with a silvery color and turn green as they mature.    Fine hairs  cover the leaf surfaces.   

The flower heads have large ray and disk yellow flowers blooming in the spring.   

 After blooming achenes (single seeds) form, which are dispersed in summer.   In dry and hot summers, the leaves and stems turn brown, and wither. 

All parts of the plant are edible and have been consumed by wildlife, and have traditionally been used by First Nations people across a wide area.    We can spot balsamroot in flower at lower elevations, middle elevations, in the grasslands, in sunny glades, and on open ridges in the Interior.      

For those of us get out to hike and explore the hills in spring, the arrival of the balsamroot feels like a spring celebration.