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serrate balsamroot

hoary balsamroot, woolly balsamroot

Stems

5–34 cm, sparsely villous-tomentose; from single taproot.

9–43 cm, tomentose; from single taproot.

Leaves

ovate-lanceolate, undivided to pinnatifid, rarely with some leaves pinnately compound;

margins sharply serrate;

tips apiculate;

surfaces sparsely hispid;

basal leaves in 1–few rosettes;

blades 4.5–15 × 2–5.5 cm;

pinnae (when present) 4–11 mm wide;

petioles 1–9(13) cm, often one or more bract-like basal leaves present;

cauline leaves of 1 pair (when present); opposite;

blades 1–4(5.5) × 0.6–1.5 cm;

petioles 2–5.5(6.5) cm.

ovate-lanceolate, 1-pinnately divided;

margins toothed, especially distally, sometimes also on proximally;

surfaces tomentose and often lacking glands;

basal leaves in 1–few rosettes;

blades 11–22 × 5–8.5 cm;

pinnae 5–15 mm wide;

petioles 4–17 cm;

cauline leaves in 1 pair, sometimes very near base of stem;

blades 1.5–9.5 × 0.6–4.5 cm;

petioles 4–8 cm.

Inflorescences

with 1 terminal head.

with 1 terminal head.

Involucres

13–15 × 10–30 mm.

11–18 × 18–28 mm.

Ray florets

8–21, yellow;

rays 13–24 × 4–9 mm.

deciduous, 13–22, yellow;

rays 25–35 × 7–10 mm.

Disc florets

~8 mm.

7.5–9 mm.

Phyllaries

linear-lanceolate, 11–18 × 2–4 mm;

tips acuminate, sparsely to densely villous-tomentose.

lanceolate, 15–20 × 3–5 mm;

tips acuminate.

Fruits

6–7 × 1.5–2 mm, glabrous.

5–6 mm, glabrous.

Paleae

11–12 mm.

~10 mm.

2n

=38.

Balsamorhiza serrata

Balsamorhiza incana

Distribution
[WildflowerSearch map]
[BONAP county map]
[WildflowerSearch map]
[BONAP county map]
Discussion

Dry open areas, serpentine. Flowering Apr–Jun. 600–2100 m. BR, BW, Col, ECas, Lava. CA, NV, WA. Native.

Balsamorhiza serrata is distinct among members of the genus Balsamorhiza in generally having simple leaves with serrate margins and tapered (not sagittate) bases. Some plants have pinnately divided leaves. Further work may show that these plants are actually hybrids between B. serrata and B. hookeri or B. hispidula. Balsamorhiza serrata is known to hybridize with B. sagittata.

Open, rocky areas. Flowering Apr–Jun. 300–1500 m. BW, Col. ID, WA; east to WY. Native.

Balsamorhiza incana is unusual among species of section Balsamorhiza in remaining fairly distinct throughout its wide range. It occurs generally north and east of the widespread B. hispidula/B. hookeri complex. Its hybrids with B. sagittata have been given the name B. × tomentosa. The specific epithet refers to the whitish appearance from the dense pubescence.

Source Flora of Oregon, volume 2, page 201
Abigail (Abby) Moore
Flora of Oregon, volume 2, page 200
Abigail (Abby) Moore
Sibling taxa
B. careyana, B. deltoidea, B. deltoidea x Balsamorhiza sericea, B. hispidula, B. hookeri, B. incana, B. lanata, B. macrophylla, B. rosea, B. sagittata, B. sericea
B. careyana, B. deltoidea, B. deltoidea x Balsamorhiza sericea, B. hispidula, B. hookeri, B. lanata, B. macrophylla, B. rosea, B. sagittata, B. sericea, B. serrata
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