How much sun does Balsam bird's-foot trefoil need?

Balsam bird's-foot trefoil grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Balsam bird's-foot trefoil bloom?

Balsam bird's-foot trefoil blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Balsam bird's-foot trefoil native?

Balsam bird's-foot trefoil (Hosackia stipularis) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Balsam bird's-foot trefoil attract?

Balsam bird's-foot trefoil draws native bees.

Balsam bird's-foot trefoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hosackia stipularis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Balsam bird's-foot trefoil (Hosackia stipularis) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees.

Toxicity unknown

Balsam bird's-foot trefoil (Hosackia stipularis) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–18" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

native bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains

This is a low, spreading perennial forb with small trifoliate leaves and clusters of yellow pea-shaped flowers that fade to red-orange with age. It grows in dry chaparral and open foothill woodland.

Growing Balsam bird's-foot trefoil

Grow Balsam bird's-foot trefoil in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The flowers are visited by native bees, and as a legume the plant contributes nitrogen to the surrounding soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Balsam bird's-foot trefoil need?: Balsam bird's-foot trefoil grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Balsam bird's-foot trefoil bloom?: Balsam bird's-foot trefoil blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Balsam bird's-foot trefoil native?: Balsam bird's-foot trefoil (Hosackia stipularis) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Balsam bird's-foot trefoil attract?: Balsam bird's-foot trefoil draws native bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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Ready to grow Balsam bird's-foot trefoil? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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