A Blooming Spring

It has been a blooming spring in Thompson Okanagan with flowers of all kinds popping up all over. Here are some beautiful captures of spring flowers throughout our region and some facts to go along with them.

Mount Robson Provincials Park  - @gingergirl7777

Mount Robson Provincials Park - @gingergirl7777

 
 

These beautiful Arctic Lupines are commonly found in alpine meadows, much like this meadow sitting next to Mount Robson.

 

One of the first sings that spring has sprung is seeing the Arrowleaf Balsamroot along the Okanagan Valley’s hillside.

Kelowna - @sawatzky.pam

Kelowna - @sawatzky.pam

Kamloops - @franklu.ca

Kamloops - @franklu.ca

 

With so many varieties of fruit in the Thompson Okanagan, spring is one of the most beautiful seasons as the valley is covered in blooming fruit trees.

 
 
 

The Arrowleaf Balsamroot is commonly found in the Southern Interior of British Colombia.

Knox Mountain, Kelowna - @rileyhendersonphoto

Knox Mountain, Kelowna - @rileyhendersonphoto

Summerland - @kelseymalden

Summerland - @kelseymalden

 
 

Not all buds on fruit trees are guaranteed to be pollinated in order to produce fruit.

 
 
 

The Arrowleaf Balsamroot is also called the Balsamorhizq Sagittata.

Kelowna - @canon.vision

Kelowna - @canon.vision

Kelowna - @localsince1908

Kelowna - @localsince1908

 

The roots of the Arrowleaf Balsamroot can be up to 8 ft tall.

 
 
 

Plum blossoms are a lot like apple blossoms and about the size of a nickel.

West Kelowna - @shaesfaves

West Kelowna - @shaesfaves

The Okanagan - @bree.vdl

The Okanagan - @bree.vdl

 
 

The Arrowleaf Balsamroot belongs to the sunflower family.

 

There are many pollinators consisting of species of birds, bats, small mammals, and insects.

Vernon - @okanaganviewsphotography

Vernon - @okanaganviewsphotography

Kelowna - @digital_nomad_photography

Kelowna - @digital_nomad_photography

 
 

The Arrowleaf Balsamroot can be as tall as 1‑2 ft.

 

Wild flowers can be important to vineyard farming practices as they can form part of a cover crop to protect the vineyard’s soil from erosion, maintain moisture levels, and attract pollinators.

Salmon Arm - @nodakidding

Salmon Arm - @nodakidding

Chase - @gapyearish

Chase - @gapyearish

 

Although not all that appetizing, all parts of the Arrowleaf Balsamroot are edible.

 
 

Apple, plum, orange, and some cherry blossoms are all white.

Similkameen Valley - @crowsnestscenic3

Similkameen Valley - @crowsnestscenic3

Pincushion Mountain, Peachland - @sawatzky.pam

Pincushion Mountain, Peachland - @sawatzky.pam

 
 

If you get close enough, some say the Arrowleaf Balsamroot smells like chocolate.

 

The Arrowleaf Balsamroot flowers grow best in full sun.

Kelowna - @landos.photos

Kelowna - @landos.photos

Osoyoos - @kelseyarchibald

Osoyoos - @kelseyarchibald

 
 

Peak bloom season for blossoms is normally at the beginning of April.

 
 

The Arrowleaf Balsamroot’s extensive tap root allows it to survive through fires and droughts.

Kamloops - @wayneparsons.photo

Kamloops - @wayneparsons.photo


 
118485422_812451206231944_7811880767263945892_n.jpg
 

—Written by Jenna Labossiere

Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy.

Previous
Previous

Tourism Counts

Next
Next

B.C. Parks You Don't Want To Miss