Abstract
Livestock and big game utilize Hooker's balsamroot. It is rated as desirable forage for cattle, sheep, horses and elk during the spring and for deer and antelope in both spring and summer (Ogle and Brazee, 2009). Leaves are grazed lightly and flowers are often eaten. The plant becomes dry and worthless as forage by midsummer (Forest Service, 1937; Herman, 1966). It is recognized by pollination ecologists as attracting large numbers of native bees (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Online). It may have some value for restoration but is not a dominant or major species in its area of adaptation.
Keywords
Hooker's balsamroot,
Balsamorhiza hookeri,
utleaf balsamroot,
cutleaf sunflower,
hairy balsamroot
Citation
St. John, Loren; Tilley, Derek. 2012. Plant Guide: Hooker's balsamroot: Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hook.) Nutt. Aberdeen, ID: U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS, Aberdeen Plant Materials Center. 3 p.