Arrowleaf Balsamroot
Balsamorhiza sagittata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Arrowleaf balsamroot is a robust native perennial with large, arrow-shaped leaves and bright yellow sunflower-like blooms in late spring and early summer. This drought-tolerant plant forms attractive clumps and goes dormant in late summer, with foliage dying back completely. It's well-suited for xeric gardens and naturalized areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Arrowleaf Balsamroot 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.
- Goes completely dormant leaving bare spots mid-summer
- Large leaves can appear coarse or weedy to some
- May be viewed as too wild or naturalized for formal landscapes
Wildlife value
The large yellow flowers are magnets for native bees and butterflies during the bloom period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
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 Arrowleaf Balsamroot fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.