The Mountain Arnica, also called Wolf's Bane, is both an alpine plant and a medicinal plant. It is perennial and reaches a height of about 60cm. Its dark yellow flowers, which appear from June to August, smell pleasantly spicy with a slightly bitter note. In its original distribution area at high altitudes, it becomes increasingly rare and is, therefore, protected in many European countries.
Arnica is certainly one of the most famous homoeopathic remedies for muscle injuries or bruises. But also academic medicine appreciates the curative power of the Arnica blossoms in the same context, although only in external use. Ingesting it is not advisable because all parts of the plant are toxic. In ointments and tinctures, however, it can fully exert its anti-inflammatory effect, and in other preparations, too, it is an enormously versatile medicinal plant.
In the Middle Ages, Arnica was considered a magical plant which protects against lightning, storms and evil spells, as well as a plant for banning crop demons and protecting against crop failure.
Seeds, content approx. 100 Mountain Arnica seeds
The cultivation of the mountain arnica is comparatively demanding since it has very concrete demands in terms of soil, light, and nutrient composition. Preculture in acidic substrate is necessary. Seeds should not be covered with soil, since they need light to germinate.
After the last frosts, the young plants can be planted out in humid, nutrient-poor, and completely lime-free soil in a sunny location. The soil should always remain moist but waterlogging must be avoided.
Other names
| Botanical name: |
Arnica montana var. alpina, Arnica montana var. angustifolia |
| German names: |
Bergwohlverleih, Fallkraut, Stoßkraut |
