Northern Horsebalm
Collinsonia canadensis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Collinsonia canadensis, or northern horsebalm, is a woodland forb that blooms pale yellow flowers from July through September in part shade with medium moisture, attracting bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Northern Horsebalm (Collinsonia canadensis) 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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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Northern horsebalm is a native woodland perennial that produces spikes of small yellow flowers from summer into early fall. It forms clumps of heart-shaped leaves and thrives in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture.
Growing Northern Horsebalm
Grow Northern Horsebalm in part shade and medium 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
Northern Horsebalm 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.
- Uncommon plant that may appear weedy to neighbors
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Informal woodland appearance doesn't fit typical landscaping
Wildlife value
The summer and fall blooms attract various bees and butterflies when few other native plants are flowering. This makes it particularly valuable for late-season pollinator support.
Common questions
- When does Collinsonia canadensis bloom?
- Collinsonia canadensis typically flowers from July through September, producing loose branching spikes of pale yellow, citrus scented blooms.
- What pollinators visit Collinsonia canadensis?
- Bees and butterflies are the main visitors drawn to the fragrant, pale yellow flowers of Collinsonia canadensis.
- What growing conditions does Collinsonia canadensis prefer?
- This forb does best in part shade with medium, consistently moist soil, conditions similar to the rich woodlands and stream edges where it is often found.
- Is Collinsonia canadensis evergreen or deciduous?
- Collinsonia canadensis is a deciduous herbaceous perennial. It dies back to the ground in fall and sends up new growth each spring.
- Is Northern Horsebalm HOA-friendly?
- Northern Horsebalm takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
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 Northern Horsebalm? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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