It is native to western North America from British Columbia to California, where it grows in many types of generally mountainous habitats.

[3][4] Balsamorhiza deltoidea is a taprooted perennial herb growing upright to a maximum height near 90 centimeters (35 inches).

The large leaves are up to 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) long and 20 cm (7.9 in) wide, and are roughly triangular in shape, hairy and glandular, and generally toothed along the edges.

[5] The inflorescence bears usually one or sometimes a few large flower heads, each lined with hairy, pointed phyllaries up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long.

The roots were also eaten, either raw or cooked, and they made a coffee substitute when roasted.