Carey's Balsamroot
Balsamorhiza careyana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Carey's balsamroot is a native wildflower with large, bright yellow daisy-like blooms and silvery-green foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial produces showy spring flowers on sturdy stems above a compact rosette of leaves. It thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carey's 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.
- Appears very wild and weedy to conventional standards
- Goes completely dormant in summer leaving bare patches
- Large basal leaves can look unkempt as they age
Wildlife value
The large yellow flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles during the spring blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife later in the season.
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 Carey's Balsamroot fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.