Deltoid Balsamroot

Balsamorhiza deltoidea

Basic Information

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Genus: balsamorhiza

Plant ID (slug): balsamorhiza-deltoidea

Numeric ID: 19449

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Balsamorhiza deltoidea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Coffee Root - raw or cooked[22, 46, 61, 105, 106]. A sweet taste when cooked[161]. Young shoots - raw[46, 105, 161]. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be ground into a powder and made into a bread[46, 105, 161]. The ground seeds can be formed into cakes and eaten raw[257]. The roasted root is a coffee substitute[177].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany A decoction of the split roots has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds[257].