The Okanagan sunflower is prolific in the Thompson-Okanagan and in the spring can cover entire mountainsides with its pretty blooms.
In spite of the name, it’s a member of the aster family and looks like a yellow daisy. It also doesn’t grow singly as sunflowers do but in clumps or clusters and it prefers very dry conditions. They are so bright and cheery and symbolic of warmth and good weather!
Also known as the arrowleaf balsamroot, it is completely edible. Many animals and birds rely on it and indigenous peoples ate the leaves either cooked or raw and used the taproots to make flour. It has the additional advantage of containing many immune-boosting properties, so the Okanagan sunflower is not just a pretty face!
Happy Friday.
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 
I was going to comment about an early in the year flowering sunflower but then you cleared that up. Unique Daisy-like Aster but since most Asters are later to flower unusual. and lovely to see, Lynette.
I’m glad you enjoyed seeing them. This time of year is so great; seeing all the plants awaken and grow again is so rejuvenating!
Beautiful! Enjoy the day.
Thank you very much, Neil. You, too!
Thanks for the sunny Friday Lynette. I do love fields of yellow flowers. Happy Friday. Allan
You’re very welcome, Allan. There’s something so appealing about yellow flowers, I find. They’re very happy and happy-making. 🙂
I love these sunny yellow flowers, even if they’re not actually sunflowers. Happy Friday, Lynette!
Thanks, Sue. They are particularly pretty when they cover a whole hill or field. So lovely and appealing!
I’ve never seen these sunflowers to my knowledge. They’re pretty.
Their range is apparently quite narrow; just the southern interior of BC and interior of Washington state. Seeing a whole field of them is so pretty.
Very interesting. And they are so cheery. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.
Thanks Lori, you too. Yes, I find them very cheery and happy. Just seeing them puts me in a better mood. 🙂
These are just wonderful thank you for sharing!
You’re very welcome. They’re so pretty.
So close to Summer!
Oh yes, not long now, but spring is pretty wonderful, too.
These are such pretty flowers when they are in bloom. I love this time of the year when all the spring blossoms are in bloom.
Isn’t it great? They are really impressive as they all seem to bloom at the same time, just covering fields and hills with bright yellow. They don’t last long though, so they have to be appreciated in the moment.
Have you harvested these plants, for any of those uses?
Not really, although I’ve tasted the leaves. They have a mild lemony flavour. At times I have seen people picking them.