How much sun does Arrowleaf Balsamroot need?

Arrowleaf Balsamroot grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Arrowleaf Balsamroot bloom?

Arrowleaf Balsamroot blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Arrowleaf Balsamroot native?

Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Arrowleaf Balsamroot toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Arrowleaf Balsamroot as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Arrowleaf Balsamroot attract?

Arrowleaf Balsamroot draws bees and butterflies.

Is Arrowleaf Balsamroot HOA-friendly?

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

Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Balsamorhiza sagittata

Last reviewed: August 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Arrowleaf Balsamroot as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Arrowleaf Balsamroot need?: Arrowleaf Balsamroot grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Arrowleaf Balsamroot bloom?: Arrowleaf Balsamroot blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Arrowleaf Balsamroot native?: Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Arrowleaf Balsamroot toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Arrowleaf Balsamroot as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Arrowleaf Balsamroot attract?: Arrowleaf Balsamroot draws bees and butterflies.
Is Arrowleaf Balsamroot HOA-friendly?: Arrowleaf Balsamroot 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.

Ready to grow Arrowleaf Balsamroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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