Arnica latifolia, commonly known as Broadleaf Arnica, Mountain Arnica, or Daffodil Leopardbane, is a perennial herb that is native to montane and subalpine zones in western North America, including Alaska, California, and New Mexico. It thrives in a variety of mountain habitats such as open woodlands, forest clearings, and alpine meadows, often at elevations from 2,000 to 10,000 feet. Broadleaf Arnica typically grows 4 to 20 inches tall and is characterized by its hairy, mostly naked stem and lance-shaped to nearly heart-shaped basal and lower stem leaves. It blooms from late spring to early summer, producing showy daisy-like flower heads with bright yellow disc florets surrounded by yellow ray florets, each up to 1 inch long. The fruit is an achene topped with a tuft of white hairs known as a pappus.

Broadleaf Arnica is valued for its vibrant yellow flowers and is often used in native plant gardens and restoration projects. It is also popular for its medicinal properties, as Arnica species have been used traditionally to treat bruises, sprains, and muscle aches. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade, moist but well-drained soils, and cool temperatures, reflecting its mountainous origins. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in overly wet conditions. There are no popular garden cultivars, but the species itself is a valuable addition to any garden focused on native plants or wildlife support.CC BY-SA 4.0