Heartleaf Arnica (Arnica cordifolia)

Heartleaf arnica is a cheery, daisy-like yellow flower that brightens up the understory of dry, open woodlands. It is accustomed to growing in the dry shade of conifers, and does well in the garden on its own, or intermixed with other perennials. It spreads to create a lovely, low-growing groundcover of heart-shaped leaves, and although it is rhizomatous, it fills in spaces without becoming aggressive. Of the many arnica species that are native to our region, this is one of the most drought tolerant, although the leaves may die back in late summer without ample moisture.

Sun Exposure: Part shade to full sun
Soil & Moisture: Moist to seasonally dry, well-drained, humus-rich soils.
Mature Size: 6"-24" tall, rhizomatous
Bloom Time: April to July, depending on elevation
Edible: no
Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators.
Native Range & Habitat: Open coniferous forests, subalpine meadows. Widespread from Alaska south to California, and east to the Rocky Mountains from low to high elevations
Other Names: Heart-leaved arnica