Native Americans used the sticky sap of this plant as a topical antiseptic for minor wounds.
The large taproots produced by Balsamorhiza sagittata are edible and were harvested, dried,
and ground into a starchy flour by Native Americans when other food plants were scarce.
The entire plant is edible and nutritious, but not necessarily enjoyable because it
contains a bitter, strongly pine-scented sap. The plants large taproots are reported to be
very palatable and far less bitter than the above ground parts of the plant. (from Wikipedia)
Balsamroot is palatable to wildlife and livestock so its prevalende decreases under grazing.
These pictures were from a hike on Dog Mountain 05/12/14 (H319)
More from Dog Mt Hike 319
From Aldrich Butte Hike
June 2, 2015 H381
Balsamroot
One of msny species
American Indians used the sap
from this plant as a topical antiseptic
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