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Leafy Arnica

Arnica chamissonis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Leafy Arnica (Arnica chamissonis)
Photo: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Leafy Arnica (Arnica chamissonis) 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 Leafy Arnica as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaSouthern California MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico Mountains

Leafy arnica is a compact native wildflower that produces bright yellow, daisy-like blooms throughout the summer months. This low-growing perennial forms neat clumps with attractive foliage and reliable flowering. It thrives in full sun with moderate water needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Leafy Arnica is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • Goes dormant in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the long summer blooming period. This native plant provides valuable nectar sources when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Leafy Arnica need?
Leafy Arnica grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Leafy Arnica bloom?
Leafy Arnica blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Leafy Arnica native?
Leafy Arnica (Arnica chamissonis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Leafy Arnica toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Leafy Arnica as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Leafy Arnica attract?
Leafy Arnica draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Is Leafy Arnica HOA-friendly?
Leafy Arnica is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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