Arnica
heartleaf arnica, broadleaf arnica and mountain arnica
Arnica cordifolia; Arnica latifolia; Arnica Montana
Perennial Herb
There are a number of slightly different types of Arnica plants which are native to North America and Europe. They are similar in looks and have similar medicinal properties.
Arnica cordifolia; Arnica latifolia; Arnica Montana
Perennial Herb
There are a number of slightly different types of Arnica plants which are native to North America and Europe. They are similar in looks and have similar medicinal properties.
DESCRIPTION:
Flower
All Arnica plants have a yellow daisy-like flower which grows singly or (occasionally) doubly from a single stem. The flower consists of long, lance-shaped, bright yellow petals growing out from a slightly darker colored center. In some species of Arnica, the petals are thin and have a toothed edge at the tip of each. In others, the petals are slightly wider, with smoothed tips. In these it is common for the petals to overlap each other a bit.
Flower
All Arnica plants have a yellow daisy-like flower which grows singly or (occasionally) doubly from a single stem. The flower consists of long, lance-shaped, bright yellow petals growing out from a slightly darker colored center. In some species of Arnica, the petals are thin and have a toothed edge at the tip of each. In others, the petals are slightly wider, with smoothed tips. In these it is common for the petals to overlap each other a bit.
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WHOLE PLANT:
Stem The flower grows from a single stalk which is long, mostly naked, with small hairs. A cluster of leaves grow out of the base of the stem, where it meets the ground, and there one of two additional pairs of leaves part way up the stem. Occasionally a stem will branch off and contain a second flower. |
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Leaves
The leaves differ the most from species to species. The most common Arnica species in western Montana have wide, almost heart shaped leaves which are very slightly toothed. Also present is a species with slightly more lance-shaped leaves and more defined toothing. Additionally, there is a narrow-leafed version of Arnica common in some areas of the country in which the leaves are longer and have little to no toothing.
The leaves differ the most from species to species. The most common Arnica species in western Montana have wide, almost heart shaped leaves which are very slightly toothed. Also present is a species with slightly more lance-shaped leaves and more defined toothing. Additionally, there is a narrow-leafed version of Arnica common in some areas of the country in which the leaves are longer and have little to no toothing.
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Root
Each Arnica plant grows from a long rhizome.
Each Arnica plant grows from a long rhizome.
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Arnica is native to western North America from Alaska to New Mexico. It can be found in most areas of the Rocky Mountain. It often grows on hillsides scattered among trees and other plants. It tends to grow in patches, with large or small numbers of its fellows for company.
Arnica is native to western North America from Alaska to New Mexico. It can be found in most areas of the Rocky Mountain. It often grows on hillsides scattered among trees and other plants. It tends to grow in patches, with large or small numbers of its fellows for company.
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WHEN TO FIND IT:
In our area this plant flowers from mid-March through June.
In our area this plant flowers from mid-March through June.