Hooker's balsamroot (Balsamorhiza hookeri)

Hooker's balsamroot

Also known as: Hairy balsamroot, Neglected balsamroot

Hooker's balsamroot is a spring wildflower with a bright yellow color that remains in bloom for a relatively long time, maintaining its cheerful appearance for several days. It is attractive to native bees and is eaten by a variety of grazing animals. The plant is named Hooker's balsamroot after William Jackson Hooker, the onetime director of Kew Gardens.

Scientific classification

Species

Hooker's balsamroot (Balsamorhiza hookeri)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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10 cm to 30 cm

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Yellow, Green, Cream

Flower Color

Green, Cream

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Hooker's balsamroot

Attributes of Hooker's balsamroot

Growth Rate

During Spring, hooker's balsamroot exhibits a moderate growth rate, gradually expanding its sunflower-like leaves and height. This pace aligns with the need to maximize photosynthetic efficiency. Though growth slows in other seasons, Spring's balanced conditions encourage robust bud formation, leading to prominent yellow flowers.

Care Guide for Hooker's balsamroot

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Adapted to arid environments, hooker's balsamroot thrives on minimal moisture and exhibits strong drought tolerance. Water once a week for health, particularly during its active growing season. Best suited for outdoor cultivation, hooker's balsamroot benefits from consistent soil moisture to enhance flowering potential.

Fertilize: Fertilize hooker's balsamroot in spring using a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks at half strength. Reduce applications in fall and winter due to slowed growth. Apply carefully to protect hooker's balsamroot's roots and avoid overfeeding, which can harm its native resilience.

Pruning: Hooker's balsamroot features vibrant yellow blooms and drought tolerance. Prune in early spring to remove spent flowers and damaged stems, promoting healthy growth and blooms. Trimming enhances shape, reduces pests, and improves air circulation, ensuring hooker's balsamroot remains robust and visually appealing throughout its growth cycle.

Propagation: Hooker's balsamroot can be propagated by division, ensuring minimal root disturbance for successful establishment. Providing each segment with sufficient soil space and moisture is crucial for root development. Soil fertility and sunlight exposure significantly impact the plant's post-transplant growth and overall vigor.

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