Meadow Arnica

Arnica chamissonis

Meadow arnica is a hardy, herbaceous perennial known for its cheerful, golden-yellow daisy-like blooms that brighten meadows, borders, and pollinator plantings from early to mid-summer. Native to much of North America, this species is valued for both its ornamental beauty and traditional herbal uses. Flowers are highly attractive to native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Grown from organic locally adapted seed.

Size at maturity: 1–2 ft tall, 1–2 ft wide

Light: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium moisture; prefers well-drained soil but tolerates seasonal dryness once established

Bloom time: June–August

Wildlife: Nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; seeds eaten by small birds

Special features & uses: Traditionally used in herbal salves for soothing minor aches; deer-resistant; excellent in wildflower meadows and naturalized plantings, spreads by subsurface rhyzomes 

Best planted in clusters to create a sunny, pollinator-rich display. Cut back spent blooms to encourage tidy foliage and longer flowering.