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arrowleaf balsamroot flower

The Arrowleaf Balsamroot Flower aka the ‘Okanagan Sunflower’

The Okanagan Sunflower

 

A true sign of spring in the Okanagan is the emergence of the Arrowleaf Balsamroot flowers (Balsamorhiza sagittata), also known as the Okanagan Sunflower.  Their brilliant yellow colour is spectacular particularly when seeing an entire hillside adorned with the flower.

Kalamoir Regional Park is one of the best places in the Okanagan to see this cheerful flower. From picture taking opportunities right along the lower paths to whole hillsides speckled in yellow, a trip to Kalamoir during the spring while the Arrowleaf Balsamroot flower is in bloom is worth the trek.

Cultural Significance of the Arrowleaf Balsamroot flower:

Did you know that the Arrowleaf Balsamroot flower was used as a valuable food source and is significant to the Okanagan calendar and the Syilx-speaking Peoples of the Okanagan Nation as a time marker?

Interesting Tidbit:

Did you know that the yellow in the logo of the Westside Wine Trail was chosen to represent the Arrowleaf Balsamroot flower?

How to get to Kalamoir Regional Park?

Kalamoir Regional Park is located in West Kelowna and there are four access points depending on the trail you would like to take. To hike along the lakeshore, you can access this moderate trail either off Sunnyside Dr, Casa Loma Road or the parking lot at the bottom of Collens Hill Road. To access the more difficult upper trail, enter from King Road or from the top part of Collens Hill Road.

okanagan sunflower