Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) is in the Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies family (Asteraceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,525 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in June.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to June, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Arrowleaf Balsamroot: observations by month (U.S.)
About Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Balsamorhiza sagittata is a North American species of flowering plant in the sunflower tribe of the aster family known by the common name arrowleaf balsamroot. It is widespread across western Canada and much of the western United States. A specimen was collected by explorer and botanist Meriwether Lewis near Lewis and Clark Pass in 1806....From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Arrowleaf Balsamroot by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 907 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Washington | 552 | May | Apr–May |
| Montana | 367 | June | May–Jun |
| Utah | 311 | May | Apr–Jun |
| Idaho | 203 | May | Apr–Jun |
| Oregon | 80 | May | Apr–Jun |
| Nevada | 55 | May | May–Jun |
| Colorado | 46 | June | May–Jun |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies)
black-eyed Susan
Common Yarrow
White Snakeroot
Chicory
Lawn daisy
Philadelphia fleabane
Pearly Everlasting
Blue Mistflower
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Arrowleaf Balsamroot?
Nationally, June has the most observations, with the main season from April to June.
Where is Arrowleaf Balsamroot most often seen?
The most observations come from Wyoming, Washington, Montana.