Arnica montana
Arnica
Common names: Mountain Arnica, Wolf's Flower, Mountain Root
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhlers Medizinal-Pflanzen · Public Domain · Source
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Description
Arnica montana is a wild shrub native to the mountain meadows of Central and Northern Europe, producing bright yellow, sun‑shaped flower heads from June to August. The plant is well known in German‑speaking regions. Fresh plant material can irritate skin and mucous membranes, so children and pets should be kept away. In Germany the species is protected; seed or pot material cultivated in a private garden is not affected. Arnica is considered demanding in cultivation and benefits from lean, calcareous‑free soil and patience.
Care instructions
Plant Arnica in a sunny to partially shaded location with acidic, well‑drained, nutrient‑poor soil; a sand‑peat mix or moor peat is suitable. Keep the soil consistently slightly moist; the plant does not tolerate wet, stony, or calcareous soil. Avoid fertilisation, as rich soil weakens the plant and promotes root rot. Cut back spent flower heads to encourage a second, smaller flowering phase in late summer. In winter, Arnica benefits from a light, airy mulch; dense leaf cover promotes rot.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, lean, sandy, lime-avoiding
Feeding
Light feeder
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