At one time or another, most species of subgenus Balsamorhiza have been treated as part of Balsamorhiza hookeri. Nevertheless, a number of taxa are justifiably segregated as species by their morphologic differences and geographic restrictions[].
One might logically choose either of two taxonomies: either recognizing only two species in the entire genus, one representing subgenus Artorhiza and the other subgenus Balsamorhiza, or recognizing each slightly differing population as a species. Either course results in an unsatisfactory classification. The present classification is a compromise. A knotty problem persists. A central cluster of populations from eastern Washington to southeastern California display a number of minor and locally discrete morphologies. They tend to be less isolated from each other than are the peripheral populations, although some tend to mimic the latter ones in one or more characteristics. Their evolutionary history may be involved with past hybridizations with each other or with species of subgenus Artorhiza, gene drift, and polyploidy. At present, it appears impossible to reach a satisfactory classification[].

Common Name: Balsam Root