FILE PHOTO - Arrowleaf balsamroot, sometimes more familiarly known locally as Okanagan sunflowers, bloom on Knox Mountain in Kelowna, April 14, 2016.
(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
April 18, 2022 - 6:00 PM
You know spring has definitely arrived when the so-called Okanagan sunflower can be seen covering sunny hills and fields in the Thompson and Okanagan regions.
The bright yellow arrowleaf balsamroot is catching the eyes of local photographers.
Photo of arrowleaf balsam root taken in Summerland.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/13 Moons Herbal Apothecary
The cheerful little plant grows on open hillsides at mid to upper elevations across western Canada and much of the western United States. It became the City of Kelowna’s official flower in 2000.
READ MORE: Local fields abound with Okanagan sunflowers
Photo of arrowleaf balsamroot taken at Dilworth Mountain Park.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Sengthong Bounchareun
Many people enjoy viewing the “sunflowers” and taking photos of them at this time every year, while others enjoy painting them.
The flowers are about the size of a small fist and start emerging in this region around the beginning of April.
READ MORE: How to protect the Okanagan's precious water supply when planting your garden
The plant provides food for wildlife and livestock, attracts pollinators, and has medicinal compounds.
More information on the arrowleaf balsamroot can be found here.
Photo of arrowleaf balsamroot taken in Summerland.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Keith Dixon
Photo of arrowleaf balsamroot taken on Chase-Kamloops backroad.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Bob Boxall
Photo of arrowleaf balsamroot taken in Kamloops.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Jesse Ritcey
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