Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Wyethia sagittata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Arrowleaf Balsamroot, scientifically known as Wyethia sagittata, is a striking perennial wildflower native to the western United States. Renowned for its brilliant yellow blooms, this hardy plant holds significant ethnobotanical importance. Historically used by Indigenous cultures, it offers fascinating insights into the traditional medicinal practices of the mountainous regions.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Northern America
- Parts used
- Root
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Balsamorhiza Helianthoides · Balsamorhiza Sagittata · 3 more
Names
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Pfeilblaettrige Balsamwurzel
- Pfeilblättrige Balsamwurzel
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Wyethia sagittataSynonyms
- Balsamorhiza helianthoides
- Balsamorhiza sagittata
- Espeletia sagittata
- Espeletia helianthoides
- Buphthalmum sagittatum
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is a member of the Asteraceae family. Finally, it is identified by the genus Wyethia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Wyethia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found across specific regions of Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. In the Canadian portion of its range, it is distributed throughout the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Moving into the United States, the species can be located within the northwestern states of Idaho and Montana. Additionally, its geographical footprint extends south to include the state of Colorado. Together, these areas define the natural habitat where this medicinal species thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Canada | Alberta | WCVP |
| Western Canada | British Columbia | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Colorado | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Idaho | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Montana | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Oregon | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Washington | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Wyoming | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | North Dakota | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | South Dakota | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Wyethiia sagittata, is a medicinal species where the primary part utilized for therapeutic purposes is the roots. The root system contains the concentrated bioactive compounds necessary for its traditional medicinal applications, making it the most critical component for extraction and healing properties.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| root | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Wyethia sagittata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 7,10-Epithio-7,9-tridecadiene-3,5,11-triyne-1,2-diol.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| 7,10-Epithio-7,9-tridecadiene-3,5,11-triyne-1,2-diol | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
7,10-Epithio-7,9-tridecadiene-3,5,11-triyne-1,2-diol
- Planta medica
Activities
Wyethia sagittata has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | Planta medica (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | Planta medica (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| roots | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |