Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family

Description Plant seems varnished with resin, the stout leafy stems growing from clumps of lanceolate leaves, ending in several large deep yellow flower heads on long stalks, the central head largest.
Flowers: central head 3-5" (7.5-12.5 cm) wide, with lanceolate bracts that often extend past top of disk; about 13-21 rays and scales enfold bases of disk flowers.
Leaves: those at base 8-24" (20-60 cm) long, with lanceolate blades on short stalks; those on stem smaller, their bases wrapped partly around the stem.
Fruit: seed-like, narrow, 4-sided, with a low crown of scales at top.
Height: 12-32" (30-80 cm).

Flower May-July.

Habitat Open hillsides and meadows, open woods, from foothills to moderate elevations in mountains.

Range Central Washington to western Montana; south to northwestern Colorado, northern Utah, and Nevada.

Discussion All species have leaves on the stem, distinguishing them from Balsamorhiza, which has all leaves at the base.