All across the Rocky Mountains, this gorgeous wildflower, Arrowleaf Balsam Root (Balsamorhiza sagittata) erupts into massive displays of golden sunshine across hills of verdant greens. The only problem is stopping to come up for air as the shutter clips away. There are soooo many ways to frame your shots you can almost become fatigued from your choices. The key...just keep taking shots, change your exposures, change your filters, change the lighting, add reflective lighting, and on and on. Whew!

Balsam root flowers are a vibrant yellow, 4-5" across, and stand on stalks ranging from 6-32". The leaves are a silvery-green due to small hairs covering their surface. These hairs most likely help reflect sunlight on the sunny, grassy slopes, and open woodlands of the Rockies. Be careful not confuse this wildflower with Mules Ear Daisy.

Note: Please do not attempt to dig up these little gems, as they are better left for future reproduction.

For general wildflower information try GardenWeb.com. Excellent resource.