Balsam Root, Hooker's balsamroot, Hairy balsamroot, Idaho balsamroot, Rabbithead balsamroot, Negle

Balsamorhiza hookeri

Physical Characteristics

Balsamorhiza hookeri is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). 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 and Central N. America

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seed Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[2, 46, 106, 183, 257]. A sweet and agreeable taste when cooked[61, 105]. Seed - raw or cooked[105, 161]. It can be ground into a powder and formed into cakes for eating raw or made into a bread[257]. Edible Uses & Rating: Roots: principal edible; variable flavor/texture. Young leaves: technically edible, cooked, but very bitter/resinous. Seeds: edible but scarce/bug-prone. Edibility rating: 3/5 (root can be good; other parts poor in practice) [2-3]. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Fresh root skins are thick and unpleasant—peel thoroughly. The core can be starchy to resinous; large/old roots tend to be woody, balsamic, and strong. Traditional pit-roast ~24 h to mellow resins and soften; then slice, mash, or dry and grind. Leaves: boiling slightly reduces bitterness but produces dark green, unappetizing liquor. Seeds require tedious hand-stripping and winnowing, yielding modest results [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): Leaf rosettes: very early spring (through snow).Bloom: April–July (site/elevation dependent).Seed ripening: early summer; plants then wither early.Root harvest: anytime (easiest when the tops of the plants are marked or soon after withering). Harvest & Processing Workflow (roots): 1.Locate patches in bloom; flag for later. 2.Dig smaller roots (younger plants) with a spade bar; minimize population impact. 3.Peel thick bark; trim woody cores. 4.Pit-roast (preferred) 18–24 h or slow simmer several hours. 5.Use fresh (soups/stews) or dry & grind for flour. Traditional/Indigenous Use Summary: Widely used across the Intermountain West: roots pit-roasted as a staple when palatable stocks are found; seeds pounded/winnowed; young greens occasionally boiled. Importance varied by tribe and site quality.

Medicinal Uses

Stomachic Women's complaints A decoction of the root has been used for stomach problems, bladder complaints and female complaints[257. The sub-species B. hookeri hirsuta has been specified for these uses[257].

Known Hazards

None known