Arnica cordifolia Heartleaf Arnica PFAF Plant Database

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Arnica cordifolia - Hook.

Common Name

Heartleaf Arnica

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Synonyms

Known Hazards

The whole plant is toxic and should only be used for external applications to unbroken skin[172].

Habitats

Woodlands in foothills up to high elevations in mountains[60].

Range

Western N. America - Alaska to New Mexico.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Arnica cordifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
It is hardy to zone 2. It is in flower in July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/

USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Vol. 3: 533.

Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses
None known

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Antiecchymotic; Antiphlogistic; Nervine; Salve; Sternutatory; Vulnerary.

The whole plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory and vulnerary[172]. When applied intravenously or orally it causes a rise in body temperature[212]. All parts of the plant may be used[212], but the flowers are used in preference to the root[207, 212]. They have a discutient property and a tincture is used as an external application to swellings, sprains, bruises and wounds[207, 257]. A salve applied to cuts helps to keep down infections[212].

Other Uses
Hair. This plant is used as a hair conditioner[172]. No further details are given.

Cultivation details
Prefers a moist, well-drained humus rich soil, preferably lime-free[200]. Prefers a mixture of sand, loam and peat[1].

Propagation
Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame[200]. 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[200].

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Expert comment

Author
Hook.

Botanical References
60200

Links / References

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[60]Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest.

A standard flora for Western N. America with lots of information on habitat etc. Five large volumes, it is not for the casual reader.

[172]Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

A nice guide to some useful plants in that area.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[207]Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers.

A nice read, lots of information on plant uses.

[212]Craighead. J., Craighead. F. and Davis. R. A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers

Excellent little pocket guide to the area, covering 590 species and often giving details of their uses.

[257]Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany

Very comprehensive but terse guide to the native uses of plants. Excellent bibliography, fully referenced to each plant, giving a pathway to further information. Not for the casual reader.

Readers comment

Mars S.
	Jun 3 2011 12:00AM

I have used Arnica Cordifolia for sore, strained and bruised muscles. Externally rubbed extracted oils from the flower on the injured site and found bruising, soreness, and muscle strains to be repaired much more quickly than I had anticipated. I believe the richness of the soils, and amount of direct solar hours on the plant increases the fragrance and medicinal chemicals which in turn increases efficacy. I love to partake in a scientific study/experiment of the healing properties of the Heart Leaf Arnica which grows on our south facing rich soil sites.

Mars S.
	Jun 3 2011 12:00AM

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