SafePlants

Arnica chamissonis: Chamisso Arnica

Arnica chamissonis, commonly known as Chamisso arnica, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). Other common names include meadow arnica and leafy leopardbane.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arnica chamissonis Less.
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Arnica bernardina Greene
  • A. chamissonis var. bernardina (Greene) Jepson ex Maguire
• Subspecies:
  • Arnica chamissonis Less. ssp. chamissonis var. interior Maguire
  • Arnica chamissonis Less. ssp. foliosa (Nutt.) Maguire
  • Arnica chamissonis Less. ssp. foliosa Nutt.

Distribution and Habitat

• Arnica chamissonis is native to North America, particularly the western regions including Alaska, and is also found in the Arctic.
• It grows along meadows and creeks, from the Southern California Mountains, through the Sierras, to Alaska.
• The subspecies Arnica chamissonis ssp. foliosa var. bernardina is specifically found in California.

Morphological Characteristics

• Chamisso arnica is a perennial wildflower.
• It features single stems arising from long, nearly naked rhizomes.
• Stems grow to a height of 20-100 cm.
• Arnica chamissonis ssp. foliosa grows 8-24 inches tall with 5-10 pairs of heart-shaped lower leaves, 1-3.
• The plant has hairy, grey-green leaves and yellow flower heads.

Ecological Role

Arnica chamissonis is found in the United States and surrounding regions, while Arnica montana is found in Europe.