Hairy Arnica
Arnica mollis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Hairy Arnica (Arnica mollis) 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.
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
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 452 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
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 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 Hairy Arnica? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz