Hooker's Balsamroot
Balsamorhiza hookeri
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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 Hooker's Balsamroot fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.