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nodding arnica

Scientific Name: Arnica lessingii

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Arnica parryi and Arnica lessingii: Nodding Arnicas

This page provides information on two closely related plants, both known by the common name "nodding arnica": Arnica parryi and Arnica lessingii. Both belong to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • Both species are herbaceous, meaning they are non-woody plants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Names: Arnica parryi A. Gray, Arnica lessingii Greene
  • Common Names: Nodding arnica, Parry's arnica, Lessing's arnica, Nodding leopardbane
  • Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Sunflower family)
  • Synonyms for Arnica parryi:
    • Arnica angustifolia
    • Arnica angustifolia ssp. eradiata
    • Arnica parryi ssp. parryi
    • Arnica parryi ssp. sonnei
    • Arnica sonnei Greene
  • Synonyms for Arnica lessingii:
    • Arnica angustifolia Vahl var. lessingii Torrey & A. Gray
    • Arnica lessingii subsp. norbergii Hultn & Maguire

Distribution and Habitat

  • Arnica parryi is native to western North America, ranging from Yukon to California and Colorado.
  • Arnica lessingii is found in both Russia and North America.
  • Arnica lessingii favors rocky, windswept areas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Arnica parryi has an erect, usually single, unbranched stem, somewhat hairy at the base.
  • Basal leaves of Arnica parryi are oval and sessile (without a stalk).
  • Stem leaves of Arnica parryi are lance- to egg-shaped.
  • Arnica lessingii plants are typically 8-35 cm tall.
  • Both species often have nodding flower buds and erect or nodding flowers.

Quirky Facts

  • The flowerhead of nodding arnica often appears to be a bud even when it is almost fully open.

Further Information

  • Montana Field Guide: Offers opportunities to submit photos for inclusion.
  • Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arnica lessingii.
  • ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 36567 (for Arnica lessingii)