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Heart-leaf Arnica

Arnica cordifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Heart-leaf Arnica (Arnica cordifolia)
Photo: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Vol. 3: 533. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society. Scanned by Omnitek Inc / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral Basin and Range

Heart-leaf arnica is a low-growing native wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like blooms from May through July. This woodland perennial spreads gradually by underground rhizomes and goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until spring growth returns.

In an HOA neighborhood

Heart-leaf 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.

  • Completely disappears in winter leaving bare ground
  • Informal wildflower appearance may look weedy
  • Spreads unpredictably by rhizomes

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the late spring and early summer blooming period. As a native plant, it provides important nectar resources for local pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Heart-leaf Arnica need?
Heart-leaf Arnica grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Heart-leaf Arnica bloom?
Heart-leaf Arnica blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Heart-leaf Arnica native?
Heart-leaf Arnica (Arnica cordifolia) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Heart-leaf Arnica toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Heart-leaf Arnica as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Heart-leaf Arnica attract?
Heart-leaf Arnica draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Heart-leaf Arnica HOA-friendly?
Heart-leaf 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 Heart-leaf Arnica? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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