Practical
Plants

Arnica cordifolia

Heartleaf Arnica

a perennial member of the Arnica genus in the family Compositae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Arnica
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.5 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The whole plant is toxic and should only be used for external applications to unbroken skin[2].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The whole plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory and vulnerary[2]. When applied intravenously or orally it causes a rise in body temperature[5]. All parts of the plant may be used[5], but the flowers are used in preference to the root[4][5]. They have a discutient property and a tincture is used as an external application to swellings, sprains, bruises and wounds[4][6]. A salve applied to cuts helps to keep down infections[5].

Product or use
Antiecchymotic
Product or use
Antiphlogistic
Product or use
Nervine
Product or use
Salve
Product or use
Sternutatory
Product or use
Vulnerary

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

This plant is used as a hair conditioner[2]. No further details are given.

Product or use
Hair care

Environment

Range
Western N. America - Alaska to New Mexico.
Habitat
Woodlands in foothills up to high elevations in mountains[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 2+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame[3]. Only just cover the seed and make sure that the compost does not dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring[3].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a moist, well-drained humus rich soil, preferably lime-free[3]. Prefers a mixture of sand, loam and peat[1].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-8160-2624-6

    ↩1↩2

  5. Craighead. J., Craighead. F. and Davis. R. A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers The Riverside Press 1963-00-00 ISBN 63-7093

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  6. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩

  7. Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press 1955-00-00

    ↩

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