Slender Arnica, Small-head Arnica, Slender Leopardbane
Arnica gracilis
Synonym: Arnica latifolia var. gracilis
The photo above shows a close-up of the flower
head of slender arnica as seen from directly overhead. Photographed on Little
Mt. Adams on the southeastern flanks of Mt. Adams.......July 16, 2005.
This plant differs from its cousin, Arnica latifolia in its more diminutive size (10-30 cm in height) as well as smaller and narrower
involucre, which is 7-13 mm long. In addition, the leaves are rarely
greater than 2.5 cm wide, and this species is found at higher altitudes, often
in rockier or cinder covered slopes that are more exposed and more arid.
A sideview of the upper stem leaves and involucral bracts of
slender arnica as seen on Little Mt. Adams........July17, 2006.
Similar Species:
Mountain Arnica, Broadleaf
Arnica: Arnica latifolia - Leaves larger, usually 1.5-8 cm broad,
often noticeably toothed. The 1-3 flower heads are larger and wider than those
of the next species, with the involucres measuring from 10-18 mm high. Larger
plants from 10-60 cm high, found in moist woods, medows, and moist open places
in the mountains, more typically at lower elevations than the next species.
Slender Arnica: Arnica gracilis (A.
latifolia var. gracilis) - Leaves small, usually less than 2.5
cm wide. The 3-9 narrow heads are small, the involucre measuring 7-13 mm hgih.
Small tufted plants from 10-30 cm high, found on rocky to cinder slopes that
are more exposed, and usually higher than A latifolia.
The photo above shows a close-up of the flower
heads of slender arnica as seen from the side. Photographed on Little Mt. Adams
on the southeastern flanks of Mt. Adams.................July 16, 2005. This
species typically has 3-9 narrow, short flower heads per stem.
- 
Additional close-ups of slender arnica as seen near the northern base of Little Mt. Adams on the Ridge of Wonders, Yakama Nation lands on the eastern flanks of Mt. Adams.........August 13, 2012.
Slender arnica as seen at the base of Little
Mt. Adams.........August 12, 2006.
The photo above shows a close-up of a stem
leaf of slender arnica. Photographed on Little Mt. Adams on the southeastern
flanks of Mt. Adams........July 16, 2005. The leaves of this
species tend to be less than 2.5 cm wide.
The photo above shows the flower head of slender arnica as seen
on Little Mt. Adams........July 17, 2006.
The photo above shows a close-up of the upper stem, leaves and
flower heads of slender arnica as seen from directly overhead. Photographed
on the steep, cinder slopes of Little Mt. Adams on the southeastern flanks of
Mt. Adams.........July 16, 2005.
Slender arnica beginning to bloom on a sandy slope beside the snow field that is the headwaters of Killen Creek, just below High Camp on the north side of Mt. Adams.......August 29, 2012.
The photo above shows a cluster of mountain arnica as seen in the shelter of
a rock at about 7900' in the Devils Garden on the northeastern slopes of Mt.
Adams........July 24, 2005.
Paul Slichter