Note on Taxonomy forBalsamorhiza deltoidea: A member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae),the Balsamorhiza genus has 12 species of which only two occur in BC. The second species arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) is a southeast interior species which occurs well out of the Coast Region.

Distribution: Elevations25-260 m.Native to western North America, deltoid balsamroot ranges from British Columbia to California, where it grows in varied though generally mountainous habitat. This slow growing species is at the northernmost limit of its range in BC and is restricted to the southeastern side fo Vancouver Island from Victoria to Campbell River (Parks Canada 2006, GOERT 2010). Currently, there are 8 known occurrences of which at least 8 (and possibly as many as 12) populations have been extirpated. Plants have been experimentally re-introduced to one of the extirpated sites just north of Duncan (GOERT 2010).

Description: Height up to 900mm. An erect perennial herb deltoid balsamroot grows erect with a deepwoody taproot system. As with many other members of the sunflower family the stems are hairy and robust, supporting one or sometimes several prominent disc-shapedgolden flowers. Outer ray flowers range from 13-21 and are 20-50mm long, surrounding a large center of short yellow disk flowers (40-50mm long) which in turn surround short tubular flowers 5-7mm long. Leaves are large (up to 250 mm long and 200 mm wide), spear shaped and toothed at the margins with a prominent central vein. Leaves form a clump at the base of the stem. Small tear-drop leaves have similar venation and hairiness to the basal leaves. Fruits are an array of single seeds (achenes) 7-8 mm long and smooth similar to other sunflower seeds. Seed production is generally low (Parks Canada 2006, GOERT 2010).

Look’s Like?While the large golden flowers and hairy spear shaped basal leaves generally make this species easy to identify, many forms of ornamental sunflower (Helianthus sp.) and arnica (Arnica sp.) plant parts, especially some flower heads can be similar to balsamroot are propagated in urban areas that may surround where B. deltoidea occurs. These ornamentals though generally contained to gardens and landscaped areas have the ability to disperse their seeds and spread. Though it is unknown if this has been the case.

Primary Habitat: This species is associated with dry exposed aspects of rocky well-drained sand or gravel soils found in Garry oak woodlands and meadows. This species grows with a variety of shrub species (snowberry, oceanspray and Oregon grape) as well as herbs and forbs (fescues, stonecrop, woolly sunflower and camas).

Secondary Habitat: While seed germination appears relatively easy to achieve, cultivation in controlled environments (e.g. gardens) appears to be difficult (Parks Canada 2006).

Critical Features: Seasonal drought or very well-drained soils seem to be key habitat requirements for deltoid balsamroot (Parks Canada 2006)

Seasonal Life Cycle

Jan / Feb / Mar / Apr / May / Jun / Jul / Aug / Sep / Oct / Nov / Dec

*Die-back can occur anytime during growing season as part of drought survival strategy

Habitat Guild: Garry Oak woodlands, inland and marine bluffs, rock outcroppings and seeps.

Threats

The preferred ecological associations of this species are geographically limited and subject to urban development and associated habitat loss

Disturbance, trampling and picking from outdoor recreation activities.

Competition for nutrients and shading from associated vascular plants and subsequently expansion of other more shade tolerant species.

Fire suppression has led to increased spread and encroachment of competitive plant species (i.e. shrubs) including native and introduced species.

Key Conservation & Management Objectives

Assess actual level and extent of threats to existing populations.

A targeted inventory is needed to determine if undiscovered populations exist elsewhere within the Coast Region. Conduct outreach to raise awareness of this species and how to identify it to improve distribution knowledge

Monitor existing populations on an ongoing basis to assess viability and reduce potential disturbance from land use activities.

Where suitable habitat occurs, work with land managers and land owners to ensure development or recreational activities do not disturb or encroach on sensitive areas.

This species does not produce large quantities of seed but seed are easy to germinate, suitable areas need to be identified for reintroduction or population enhancemenyt

Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants, especially aggressive competitors like Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry, which can be difficult to control once they are established. Even native species such as snowberry can create competitive issues. When controlling invasive plants, take precautions to minimize disturbance.

Meet objectives for this species and the conservation of its habitat as set out in the “Recovery Strategy for Multi-Species at Risk in Garry OakWoodlands in Canada”.

Sightings, specimens, or observations of activities threatening its habitat should be reported to the regional Species at Risk Biologist at the Ministry of Environment office.

Main References/Literature Cited

Parks Canada Agency. 2006. Recovery Strategy for Multi-Species at Risk in Garry OakWoodlands in Canada. In Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa: Parks CanadaAgency. 58 pps.

Species at Risk in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in British Columbia. 2010. Balsamorhiza deltoideaGarry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team

International Forest Products Limited and BC Ministry of Environment. 2003.A Field Guide to Species at Risk in the CoastForest Region of British Columbia

Develop With Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia.

BC Species & Ecosystems Explorer (BC ConservationDataCenter Summary Report)

NatureServe Explorer

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

E-Flora Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia

USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database

Image credits:

Deltoid balsamroot: Rod Gilbert

Chamisso arnica: Kurt Stuber

Habitat: Calypso Orchid flikr

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Draft 2010

Disclaimer: This species account and related conservation recommendations are draft only and presently under review and subject to change.