Arnica

Arnica montana

Description

Protected medicinal plant used for bruises and inflammations. Exclusive to mountain areas.

Growing tips

Mountain arnica needs between 5 and 10 hours of direct sunlight per day and should be planted in spring in acidic, poor, well-drained soils rich in organic matter, typical of mountain environments. Watering should be moderate, keeping the substrate slightly moist but never waterlogged, as it tolerates dry spells better than excess humidity. It is a hardy plant that withstands severe frost (down to -25 °C), but does not adapt to Mediterranean climates or indoor environments; grow it exclusively outdoors in cool, high-altitude locations. Note: it is toxic if ingested and is a protected species in many regions, making garden cultivation advisable to discourage collection from the wild.