Bright yellow balsamroot flowers can be easily spotted right now throughout the Lower North Thompson growing on hillsides facing the sun. Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) enjoys hot, dry climates and can be found throughout B.C. It is a popular food for wildlife and domestic animals. But also for humans. All of the plant can be eaten: the leaves eaten raw or steamed (they are also used for tobacco); the taproots can be dried, roasted or steamed; and the seeds pounded for use as a flour or eaten raw. The root of the plant is also used as a natural medicine, and has been described as similar to echinacea.