How much sun does Hooker's Balsamroot need?

Hooker's Balsamroot grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Hooker's Balsamroot bloom?

Hooker's Balsamroot blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Hooker's Balsamroot native?

Hooker's Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza hookeri) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Hooker's Balsamroot toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hooker's Balsamroot as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Hooker's Balsamroot attract?

Hooker's Balsamroot draws bees and butterflies.

Is Hooker's Balsamroot HOA-friendly?

Hooker's Balsamroot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Hooker's Balsamroot

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Balsamorhiza hookeri

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hooker's Balsamroot as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

Hooker's balsamroot produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers on sturdy stems in spring and early summer. This native perennial forms compact clumps with large, silvery-green leaves that die back in winter. It requires minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hooker'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.

Large leaves can look untidy as they die back
May appear too wild or weedy for formal landscapes
Dormant period leaves bare spots

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow blooms attract native bees and butterflies during the spring flowering period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Hooker's Balsamroot need?: Hooker's Balsamroot grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hooker's Balsamroot bloom?: Hooker's Balsamroot blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Hooker's Balsamroot native?: Hooker's Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza hookeri) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Hooker's Balsamroot toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hooker's Balsamroot as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Hooker's Balsamroot attract?: Hooker's Balsamroot draws bees and butterflies.
Is Hooker's Balsamroot HOA-friendly?: Hooker's Balsamroot 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Hooker's Balsamroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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