Arnica mollis

Hairy Arnica

Hairy Arnica
aka Cordilleran Arnica, Cordilleran Leopardbane,. One to three flower heads, up to 2.5″ (6 cm) broad occupy a solitary hairy stem rising from 8″ to 2′ tall. The 2 – 4 pair of oblong stem leaves are opposite and do not have stalks except for the lowest which have short stalks. These base leaves are larger to 6″ in length. Usually found in moist open areas at mid to higher elevations. note: a general observation is that the disk flowers of the A. mollis are more pronounced producing a larger rounded center button.

Family:

Asteraceae - SUNFLOWER FAMILY, ASTER FAMILY (Compositae)

Genus:

Arnica derived from Greek arnakis, a 'lamb's skin'

Species:

mollis mean 'soft', or gentle, possible reference to leaves
Photo location: Rocky flats in the Paradise Glacier area.