How much sun does American Yellowrocket need?

American Yellowrocket grows best in part sun conditions.

When does American Yellowrocket bloom?

American Yellowrocket blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is American Yellowrocket native?

American Yellowrocket (Barbarea orthoceras) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does American Yellowrocket attract?

American Yellowrocket draws bees and beetles.

Is American Yellowrocket HOA-friendly?

American Yellowrocket takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Yellowrocket

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Barbarea orthoceras

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Yellowrocket (Barbarea orthoceras) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Northwestern Great Plains Madrean Archipelago Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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.

Common questions

How much sun does American Yellowrocket need?: American Yellowrocket grows best in part sun conditions.
When does American Yellowrocket bloom?: American Yellowrocket blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is American Yellowrocket native?: American Yellowrocket (Barbarea orthoceras) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does American Yellowrocket attract?: American Yellowrocket draws bees and beetles.
Is American Yellowrocket HOA-friendly?: American Yellowrocket takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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