Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Arnica mollis is a species of arnica known by the common name hairy arnica. It is native to western North America from Alaska to California to Colorado, where it grows in subalpine mountain habitat such as meadows and streambanks. It is a perennial herb producing one or more hairy, hairy, mostly naked stems 20 to 60 centimeters tall. There are 3 to 5 pairs of leaves along mainly the lower half of the stem, each oblong in shape and 4 to 20 centimeters in length. The flower cluster holds one to a few daisylike flower heads with centers of yellow disc florets and fringes of yellow ray florets. The fruit is an achene with a brownish pappus.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

8 - 24 in Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Slow

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Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Summer

Sun

Partial Shade

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Site type

Meadows and streambanks

Plant communities

Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Wetland-Riparian