Arnica montana

Arnica Montana, also known as Alpine Plantain, Mountain Arnica, and Savoy Tobacco, is a large perennial medicinal plant, well-known for its healing and soothing properties. During the summer, yellow flowers appear, sometimes tinged with orange—plant arnica in spring, around May-June.

Arnica is native to mountainous areas of Europe and southern Russia. It is a honey-bearing plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. In Europe, arnica generally grows at high altitudes. Alpine Plantains can be found in the wild, but it is essential to be aware that collecting it may be regulated. Arnica forms an upright plant, reaching about 50 cm (20in) in height and 30 cm (12in) in width. This perennial herbaceous plant has deciduous foliage composed of lanceolate leaves grouped in a basal rosette. Its flowering occurs from May to August, depending on the region, in the form of heads measuring 6 to 8 cm (2 to 3in), yellow and sometimes tinged with orange. It is hardy, at least down to -15°C (5°F).

Arnica is a medicinal plant used since antiquity and known for its healing and soothing properties, which earned it the nickname "Herb of Falls". It can be used externally as a tincture to treat bruises, insect bites, and other ailments. However, it should not be taken internally as it can be toxic. Arnica is a plant commonly used in homoeopathy.

In the garden, Arnica montana is also cultivated for its ornamental value. Although it is very hardy, its requirements for soil type make its cultivation quite delicate. It thrives in light, acidic soils without limestone and with good drainage. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded exposure in sheltered areas. You can plant it alongside other medicinal plants like Chamomile or Calendula, with aromatic plants, and even within your sunny rockeries, as its flowering is quite ornamental.

Tip: Arnica can be propagated by division once established in your garden. Divide a healthy, well-developed plant with a sharp knife and replant the removed plants.