Heart-Leaved Arnica
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Wildflowers
Banff National Park, Rockies
Heart-leaved arnica (Arnica cordifolia) is a yellow-flowered perennial in the aster family (Asteraceae). It carpets subalpine forest floors and meadows in Banff National Park; bright yellow, daisy-like flowers in summer.
Identification
Low perennial (15–50 cm); heart-shaped, opposite basal leaves (hence the name); stem leaves smaller, fewer; solitary yellow, daisy-like flower heads (5–8 cm) at stem tips. Petal-like ray flowers surround a central disk.
Habitat
Subalpine; moist forest understory, meadows, and open slopes. Often with bunchberry, twinflower, and Labrador tea. Blooms June to August.
Ecology
Medicinal; arnica is used externally for bruises and inflammation (toxic if ingested). Flowers attract pollinators. Do not pick or consume; toxic compounds can cause skin irritation and internal poisoning.