Arnica spathulata
Klamath arnica, Klamath arnica, Klamath arnica
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Arnica spathulata (Klamath arnica) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by rayless heads and prominent winged-petioled basal leaves.
Klamath arnica is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges in open, dry, disturbed oak and conifer woodlands, typically on serpentine at elevations of 200 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces yellow disk flowers in heads 1 to 9 clusters, with no ray flowers present. Growing 15 to 45 centimeters tall with loose, often branched stems that are generally spreading-hairy, it develops a distinctive growth pattern. Its basal leaves are prominent, up to 15 centimeters long, oblanceolate with widely winged petioles and slightly toothed edges, while cauline leaves are reduced along the stem. The fruit is 5 to 10 millimeters long, sparsely glandular, with a short-barbed white pappus.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species; rayless heads and prominent winged-petioled basal leaves are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, dry, disturbed oak/conifer woodland, generally on serpentine
Elevation: 200-1500 m
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Arnica spathulata blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Senecio: Senecio has alternate leaves; Arnica leaves opposite in pairs - check leaf arrangement first; vs Wyethia: Wyethia has large basal leaves and many-ranked bracts; Arnica stem leaves opposite, bracts in 2 series; vs Packera: Packera has alternate leaves; Arnica leaves opposite in pairs up stem; vs Kyhosia: Kyhosia has alternate leaves; Arnica leaves opposite - check where leaves attach to stem; vs Helianthella: Helianthella leaves mostly alternate; Arnica leaves strictly opposite in pairs
Frequently asked questions
Is Arnica spathulata native to California?
Yes. Arnica spathulata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Arnica spathulata bloom?
Arnica spathulata blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Arnica spathulata belong to?
Arnica spathulata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Arnica.
Is Arnica spathulata rare or endangered?
Arnica spathulata carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Arnica spathulata grow in?
Arnica spathulata grows in Open, dry, disturbed oak/conifer woodland, generally on serpentine.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.