Arctic arnica (Arnica angustifolia, G.C.Oeder, Fl. Dan. 9(26): 3 (1818))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Vahl

Bibliography: G.C.Oeder, Fl. Dan. 9(26): 3 (1818)

Year: 1818

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arnica

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Subarctic to NW. U.S.A. and Xinjiang

Description

The Arctic arnica, known scientifically as Arnica angustifolia, is a fascinating plant species that holds its own unique position within the Asteraceae family. This perennial herbaceous plant is adapted to thrive in challenging environments, predominantly found in subarctic regions stretching from northwestern United States to far-reaching international locales such as Xinjiang.

Arctic arnica typically blooms with bright yellow flowers that unfurl into a pleasing display amidst the more austere subarctic landscape. One of its distinguishing features is the narrow leaves, which align with its species name “angustifolia,” derived from Latin words meaning “narrow-leaved.” These foliage characteristics facilitate its survival and growth in colder climates where other plant species might struggle.

The Arctic arnica’s ability to adapt to such extreme conditions underscores its resilience among the flora of subarctic and mountainous regions. It has evolved over time to endure both the frigid temperatures and the short growing seasons that define its natural habitats. Ecologically, this plant can often be found in meadows and open grounds, contributing to the biodiversity and the beauty of the regions it inhabits.

The species holds botanical significance, first documented by G.C. Oeder in “Flora Danica” in the early 19th century, with further contributions to its classification by Vahl. This historical context not only enriches our understanding of Arnica angustifolia but also highlights the long-standing fascination and study of this resilient plant.

In summary, the Arctic arnica is a remarkable example of nature’s adaptability. Its vibrant yellow blooms against stark subarctic backdrops and its narrow leaves are a testament to the evolutionary ingenuity that allows it to flourish in some of the planet’s most challenging environments.

Common Names

Eng: arctic arnica, narrow-leaf arnica, narrowleaf arnica, narrow-leaved arnica, alpine arnica
Fra: arnica à feuilles étroites
Swe: fjällarnika
En: Arctic arnica, Narrow-leaf arnica, Narrowleaf arnica, Narrow-leaved arnica, Alpine arnica
Et: Ahtalehine arnika
Fi: Siroarnikki, Tunturiarnikki, Arnikki
Fr: Arnica à feuilles étroites
No: Smalsolblom
Fa: همیشه‌بهار آرام
Sv: Fjällarnika

Synonyms

• Arnica montana var. angustifolia ((Vahl) Hook.)
• Arnica alpina var. angustifolia ((Vahl) Fernald)
• Arnica alpina subsp. angustifolia ((Vahl) Maguire)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Finland (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tuva (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 21, 2022 by Gustavo López (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2022 by Gustavo López (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8138466)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:19869-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arnica angustifolia Vahl)

Specifications

Growth