Quick answer: Common leopardbane (Arnica acaulis) is native to 10 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: (c) Scott Ward, some rights reserved (CC BY), Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Sandy |
| Bloom | Apr-Jun |
| Height | Up to 30 in |
| Wildlife value | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Common leopardbane
Where is Common leopardbane native?
Common leopardbane (Arnica acaulis) is native to 10 states across the Northeast and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Common leopardbane bloom?
Common leopardbane blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Common leopardbane need?
Light: Shade. Water: Medium. Soil: Sandy. Mature height: Up to 30 in.
Is Common leopardbane deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Common leopardbane is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy Common leopardbane?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Arnica acaulis by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Common leopardbane.
- Coastal sweetpepperbush Clethra alnifolia
- Inkberry Ilex glabra
- Threadleaf coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata
- Green-and-gold Chrysogonum virginianum
- Virginia sweetspire Itea virginica
- Carolina allspice Calycanthus floridus
Also listed under
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