Leafy Arnica
Arnica chamissonis
Last reviewed: October 2026
Leafy Arnica (Arnica chamissonis) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
Growing Leafy Arnica
Grow Leafy Arnica in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
- 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 Leafy Arnica? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.