Pollinators need not apply

Arnica cordifolia, May 29, 2023

June 6, 2023

Common & scientific name

Heartleaf arnica, Arnica cordifolia

Family

Sunflower, Asteraceae

Location

Grottos, elevation 9,300’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact

From the highly excellent online resource, www.swcoloradowildflowers.com: “Since seeds of Arnica cordifolia are produced without fertilization . . . off-spring are genetically identical to their parents. The patches of Arnica cordifolia are, therefore, clones and this accounts for the wide variability of Arnica cordifolia characteristics from one location to another. Since there is no pollination there is no blending of characteristics to a common denominator.” Ah-ha! Look for them in varying form in our evergreen forests everywhere.