American Yellowrocket
Barbarea orthoceras
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American yellowrocket is a compact perennial forb that produces cheerful yellow flower clusters in spring and early summer. This native wildflower grows in a tidy clump and tolerates partial shade conditions well.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Yellowrocket takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Common name includes 'rocket' which sounds weedy
- May appear wild or unmanicured to conservative HOAs
- Relatively unknown as a landscape plant
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the spring blooming period.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does American Yellowrocket fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.