Woolly Balsamroot
(Balsamorhiza hookeri var. lanata )
Asteraceae (sunflower family)

Photo by Joe Molter, BLM

Description: Deeply lobed and divided basal leaves are 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) long and covered with white woolly hairs.  A single yellow sunflower-like head 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches (38 to 64 mm) across on each reddish flowering stem.

Distribution: Central Siskiyou County; in Shasta Valley and surrounding area.

Habitat: Rocky flats, grassy foothills and open pine or oak woodlands on volcanic or serpentine substrates from 1900 to 5000 feet (580 to 1525 meters) in elevation.

Flowering Period: April to May

Similar Plants: Balsamhoriza hirsuta, B. macrolepis var. platepis and B. sericea.

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B.