How much sun does Hairy Arnica need?

Hairy Arnica grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Hairy Arnica bloom?

Hairy Arnica blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Hairy Arnica native?

Hairy Arnica (Arnica mollis) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Hairy Arnica toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hairy Arnica as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Hairy Arnica attract?

Hairy Arnica draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Is Hairy Arnica HOA-friendly?

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

Hairy Arnica

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Arnica mollis

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hairy Arnica as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–18" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

Hairy arnica is a compact native wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms from May through July. This low-growing perennial forms small clumps and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established. Its modest size and cheerful flowers make it a charming addition to rock gardens and naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy Arnica 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.

Common name includes 'hairy' which sounds undesirable
Wildflower appearance may be seen as weedy
Unknown dormancy appearance creates maintenance uncertainty

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the late spring and summer blooming period. This native plant provides important nectar resources for pollinators during peak activity months.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy Arnica need?: Hairy Arnica grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hairy Arnica bloom?: Hairy Arnica blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Hairy Arnica native?: Hairy Arnica (Arnica mollis) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Hairy Arnica toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hairy Arnica as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Hairy Arnica attract?: Hairy Arnica draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Hairy Arnica HOA-friendly?: Hairy Arnica 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 Hairy Arnica? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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