Balsam Groundsel
Packera paupercula
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Balsam Groundsel (Packera paupercula) 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
6"–18" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CO, GA and 28 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, 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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Packera paupercula is a low-growing native wildflower that forms small clumps with bright yellow daisy-like flowers from May through July. This compact perennial works well as a groundcover or accent plant in partially shaded areas with average moisture. The plant goes dormant in winter, dying back to the ground before emerging again in spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Balsam Groundsel 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.
- Wildflower appearance may be considered too informal
- Dies back to ground level in winter
- Small stature can look sparse in formal settings
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow blooms attract various pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles during the summer months. This native plant provides nectar resources when many other wildflowers are not yet blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Balsam Groundsel need?
- Balsam Groundsel grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Balsam Groundsel bloom?
- Balsam Groundsel blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Balsam Groundsel native?
- Balsam Groundsel (Packera paupercula) is native to AL, AR, CO, GA and 28 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Balsam Groundsel attract?
- Balsam Groundsel draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Balsam Groundsel HOA-friendly?
- Balsam Groundsel 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 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
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Balsam Groundsel? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz