Origin and Common Names
Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea (Hook.) Nutt. (pro sp.) is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. This plant is commonly known as the turpentine balsamroot or Vancouver balsamroot and is native to western North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region. Balsamorhiza xterebinthacea is a hybrid between Balsamorhiza sagittata and Balsamorhiza incana and was first described by William Nuttall in 1840.
Uses
Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea has a number of medicinal and practical uses. Indigenous tribes to western North America had multiple uses for this plant, particularly in herbal medicines for treating digestive issues and respiratory problems. Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea was also used as a food source, especially the root, which was roasted or boiled and used in soups or eaten as a vegetable. Currently, the plant is still used by herbalists for treating diseases and other health conditions. Additionally, it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and other green spaces.
General Appearance
The turpentine balsamroot or Vancouver balsamroot is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 2 meters in height, with a few or no branches. The leaves of Balsamorhiza xterebinthacea are deep green and are deeply lobed with hairy surfaces. The flowers are yellow-orange and grow on top of long stems from early spring to early summer. The roots are large and deep-reaching, which allows the plant to survive in poor soils. The turpentine balsamroot or Vancouver balsamroot’s unique appearance makes it an attractive plant for landscapes and gardens.
Overall, the turpentine balsamroot or Vancouver balsamroot is a versatile plant that has a rich history with indigenous groups in western North America. It is an attractive plant that is also beneficial for medicinal purposes.Light Requirements
Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can thrive in a wide range of light conditions, but it typically grows best in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate both extreme cold and heat, and can withstand drought conditions. However, Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea prefers moderate temperatures between 18°C to 24°C during the growing season for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea grows well in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Sandy loams and clay-loam soils are preferred over heavy clays and pure sands. The pH range of the soil should be between 6.0 to 8.0. Additionally, this plant can tolerate alkaline soils, making it ideal for growing in dry areas with alkaline soil.
Cultivation Methods
Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea is a resilient plant, and it is quite easy to cultivate. However, it's important to ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil, as excess moisture can cause root rot. The ideal soil is sandy soil mixed with some organic matter. When transplanting, ensure that you keep the root ball intact to prevent damage.
The plant should be grown in a spot that gets plenty of sun, as this is necessary for its growth. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it's best to grow the plant in a spot that gets partial shade to shield the plant from the harsh rays of the sun.
Watering Needs
Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea does not need a lot of watering. In fact, overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. Watering the plant once a week is enough, but this can be adjusted depending on the climate. If your area experiences a lot of rainfall, you may not need to water the plant at all, while those living in hot areas may need to increase the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
The plant does not need a lot of fertilization, and too much fertilizer can damage the plant. In fact, too much nitrogen can cause the plant to produce too much foliage instead of flowers, while too much phosphorus can lead to nutrient toxicity. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer, once or twice a year, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.
Pruning
Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea does not typically need to be pruned, but it can be done if necessary. The best time to prune is after the blooming season has ended, and only the spent flowers or dead stems should be removed. It's important to use sharp, clean pruning shears when pruning to avoid damaging the plant and introducing infections.
Propagation Methods for Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea
Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea (Hook.) Nutt. (pro sp.) is propagated by seeds.
Seed Propagation for Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea
For seed propagation of Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea, the first step is collecting the mature seeds. The seeds of Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea are usually ripe and ready for collection in late summer to early fall. The collected seeds can be sown directly into the desired location or stored for later sowing.
Before sowing, it is recommended to stratify the seeds to break their dormancy. Stratification involves exposing the seeds to cold temperatures and moisture for a specific period, which simulates winter conditions. This process can be done naturally by sowing the seeds in late fall so that they can experience the winter's chilling period. Alternatively, artificial stratification can be done by storing the seeds in a moist medium in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Once stratification is complete, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Water the area gently to keep it moist and protect the newly sown seeds from direct sun exposure until the seedlings appear, which usually takes two to three weeks.
Disease management
Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea is generally resistant to most diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to avoid overhead watering and to maintain good air circulation around the plants. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease. Fungicidal sprays containing sulfur can also be effective in controlling powdery mildew.
Rust can be managed by removing infected plant parts and applying fungicides. Copper-based fungicides are most effective against rust diseases.
Pest management
Balsamorhiza ×terebinthacea is relatively resistant to pests. However, it can be damaged by various insect pests such as aphids, grasshoppers, and spider mites.
Aphids can be managed by spraying the plants with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Grasshoppers can be managed by removing weeds and other sheltering plants around the area and by using row covers to protect the plants. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plants with water and by using a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
It is important to regularly monitor the plants for any signs of infestation and to take appropriate action as soon as possible to prevent damage.
