Big-scale balsamroot
Balsamorhiza macrolepis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Big-scale balsamroot (Balsamorhiza macrolepis) is a perennial forb native to CA, NV, OR. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Big-scale balsamroot (Balsamorhiza macrolepis) 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
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, NV, OR
Pollinators
native bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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A perennial with large, arrow-shaped basal leaves and tall stems topped with big yellow sunflower-like blooms in spring. Goes summer dormant after bloom, leaving a bare gap in the border until the following spring.
Growing Big-scale balsamroot
Grow Big-scale balsamroot in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its large spring flowers are heavily visited by native bees and butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Big-scale balsamroot need?
- Big-scale balsamroot grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Big-scale balsamroot bloom?
- Big-scale balsamroot blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Big-scale balsamroot native?
- Big-scale balsamroot (Balsamorhiza macrolepis) is native to CA, NV, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Big-scale balsamroot attract?
- Big-scale balsamroot draws native bees and butterflies.
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.
- 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 Big-scale balsamroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.