Heart-leaved arnica (Arnica cordifolia) is a perennial herb in the aster (Asteraceae) family.
- From rhizomes, stems grow 10 to 60 cm high.
- Two to four pairs of leaves grow on short petioles (leafstalks).
- Leaves are heart-shaped to lanceolate (arrow-shaped) with fine toothed edges.
- Both the stems and the leaves are finely hairy.
- Daisy-like ray and disk bright yellow flowers grace our forests and meadows from late spring into the summer.
- All photos by the author. Click an image for a lightbox view. All are arnicas, but there are some similar variants.
- After flowering papery achenes form which are later dispersed by the wind.
- A similar species is A. latifolia (mountain arnica), which sometimes hybridizes with A. cordifolia. Both species are similar in appearance, except for the size and shape of the leaves.
- There are several other similar varieties of Arnica, most of which may be found in subalpine meadows and open damp forests.
- Arnicas are pollinated by bees, butteflies, moths, and other insects.
- Arnica can be propagated from seed or from root division.
- The first arrival of arnicas is a welcome times for those of us who hike 12 months a year.