Arnica parryi

Nodding Arnica

Nodding Arnica
aka Parry’s Arnica. Of the eight arnica species in the Park this is the only one that has disk flowers only. Long stems reach to 12″ – 20″ (30 – 50 cm) tall. Large stalked lanceolate leaves form at the base with smaller unstalked pairs on the stems. There are usually three to ten flowers heads per stem. Usually found in meadows at between 5000′ to 6000′ elevation.

Family:

Asteraceae - SUNFLOWER FAMILY, ASTER FAMILY (Compositae)

Genus:

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

Species:

parryi after Charles C. Parry (1823 - 1890) first USDA botanist
Photo location: Mt. Fremont Trail west of Frozen Lake, Sourdough Ridge and Grand Park.