Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata)
To remind us the value of resiliance and enduring beauty.
This happy native wildflower can be found bringing a beautiful golden-yellow to high-drainage, sun-exposed slopes of the Rockies. They much prefer to grow in open Ponderosa Pine stands. When I see them, I am reminded of patience; these plants won't bloom for the first time for 3-5 years (sometimes up to 8!). They have an extrodinary number of medicinal uses: they are a stimulating expectorant (good for respiratory tract treatments), stimulating diaphoretic (promotes sweating/eliminates waste), and an antimicrobial.