Asteraceae
Balsamorhiza sericea

Silky Balsamroot

Tuft with upright flower stem. Leaves form rosette at base, 2–3 at base of stem, 4–12 in. long, pinnately divided into rounded lobes, densely coated with fine silver hairs, becoming hairless late in season. Flower head single atop stem; ray flowers 3/4–1 1/2 in. long, wide at base, narrower tips rounded to pointed; disk flowers about 1/3 in. long. Grows in dry areas in rocky serpentine, endemic to Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon and northwestern California. Flower often with distinctive chocolate fragrance.

  • Rarity: Endemic
  • Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: 6--12 inches
  • Habitat: Meadow
  • Found In: Siskiyous
  • Native: Yes

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