Description
Arnica
There are about 32 species of clump forming and rhizomatous or herbaceous perennials, in this genus. They occur from pastures and open woodlands in Northern temperate and arctic regions in North America and with 2 species from Eurasia. They produce tufts of basal, narrow to broad bright green leaves that are hairy. In early summer they bear yellow or orange daisy-like flowers are borne on unbranched stems with opposite leaves. All parts may cause severe discomfort if indigested and contact with sap may aggravate skin allergies.
Difficult to grow but place in moist but well-drained, humus rich soil in full sun. Divide in spring.
Prone to rusts and white smuts.
Arnica Montana – Arnica – This clump forming perennial from Europe and Western Asia grows to 20” tall and spreads to 12” wide. It produces basal, broadly egg to inversely lance to spoon shaped leaves with strongly marked veins to 6” long. In summer it bears solitary (occasional 2 or 3) deep yellow or orange-yellow flowers each 2-3” wide, on stems 10-20” long. Used in ointment and a tincture used for bruises and sprains also in homeopathy.
Zones 4-9
