[5][failed verification] Since this plant uses a lot of moisture, it has a precipitation requirement of between 14–24 inches (36–61 cm).

[5][failed verification] It generally prefers moist meadows and conifer forests and often grows in montane to subalpine zones, 0–3,500 metres (0–11,483 ft).

[8] Arnica chamissonis has yellow flowers with green medium textured foliage.

[7] It produces brown seeds and has an active growth period of the spring and summer.

The species is named for German poet and botanist Adelbert von Chamisso, 1781–1838.