Gopherweed
Baptisia lanceolata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Gopherweed (Baptisia lanceolata) is a perennial forb native to AL, FL, GA, SC. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Gopherweed (Baptisia lanceolata) 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
AL, FL, GA, SC
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 437 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
Baptisia lanceolata is a native wildflower that produces spikes of bright yellow pea-like flowers from April through June. This drought-tolerant perennial forms a neat, compact mound and goes dormant in winter. It's an excellent low-maintenance choice for sunny areas with well-draining soil.
Growing Gopherweed
Grow Gopherweed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Gopherweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Can look sparse when dormant in winter
- May be unfamiliar to conservative HOAs
Wildlife value
This plant is a magnet for native bees, butterflies, and beetles during its long blooming period. The seeds also provide food for birds and small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Gopherweed need?
- Gopherweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Gopherweed bloom?
- Gopherweed blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Gopherweed native?
- Gopherweed (Baptisia lanceolata) is native to AL, FL, GA, SC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Gopherweed attract?
- Gopherweed draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Gopherweed HOA-friendly?
- Gopherweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Gopherweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz