# broadleaf arnica (*Arnica latifolia*)

Broadleaf arnica is a bright yellow flower that grows in the mountains. It has big, broad leaves and can be found in sunny spots. This flower is not just pretty; it has been used for healing too!

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Mountain regions

![broadleaf arnica](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Mary_Vaux_Walcott_-_Arnica_%28Arnica_latifolia%29_-_1970.355.140_-_Smithsonian_American_Art_Museum.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Mary Vaux Walcott, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mary_Vaux_Walcott_-_Arnica_%28Arnica_latifolia%29_-_1970.355.140_-_Smithsonian_American_Art_Museum.jpg)

## Appearance

The broadleaf arnica has broad, heart-shaped basal leaves and an upright stem topped with 1-5 bright yellow, daisy-like flower heads. Its sunny blossoms typically have 10-15 ray petals surrounding a disc of tiny florets, making it stand out in alpine meadows.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Asterales
- **Family:** Asteraceae
- **Genus:** Arnica

## Interesting facts

- After mountain snows melt, this amazing plant can quickly sprout and bloom in just a few weeks!
- Even though it looks like a daisy, it's actually a relative of the giant sunflower!
- Its name "Arnica" might come from a Greek word meaning "lamb's skin" because of its soft leaves!
- This tough plant loves to grow high up in mountains, sometimes even above the tree line!

## Special abilities

- **Toxicity Shield:** Broadleaf arnica has natural compounds that make it bitter and moderately toxic, helping it defend against hungry herbivores.
- **Pollinator Beacon:** Its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers act like a giant target, attracting bees and flies to help with pollination.
- **Mountain Resilience:** Broadleaf arnica can grow in harsh, rocky mountain environments and survive cold winters, thanks to its sturdy roots.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 30-60 cm
- **Spread:** 15-30 cm
- **Flower Size:** 3-7 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Late spring to late summer
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** Moderate
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** Felted Bumble Bee (*Bombus mixtus*) — Feeds on nectar and pollen from the flowers.
- **Pollinates:** Two-form Bumble Bee (*Bombus bifarius*) — Visits flowers to collect nectar and pollen.
- **Pollinates:** [Common Drone Fly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-drone-fly) (*Syrphus ribesii*) — Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen.

## Traits

- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
- [Medicinal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/medicinal): Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.

## Collections

- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or eat flowers without asking an adult first.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify broadleaf arnica?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is broadleaf arnica?

30-60 cm

### How wide does broadleaf arnica spread?

15-30 cm

### How big are the flowers on broadleaf arnica?

3-7 cm

### When does broadleaf arnica bloom?

Late spring to late summer

### Is broadleaf arnica edible?

No

### Is broadleaf arnica toxic?

Moderate

### What is broadleaf arnica's lifecycle?

Perennial

## Where to spot

- [Tantalus Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/tantalus-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park
- [Nickel Plate Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/nickel-plate-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Broadleaf Arnica: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/broadleaf-arnica)