We depend on donations from users of our database of over 8000 edible and useful plants to keep making it available free of charge and to further extend and improve it. In recent months donations are down, and we are spending more than we receive. Please give what you can to keep PFAF properly funded. More >>>

Follow Us:

 

Arnica cordifolia - Hook.

Common Name Heartleaf Arnica
Family Asteraceae or Compositae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
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    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Arnica cordifolia Heartleaf Arnica


http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/
Arnica cordifolia Heartleaf Arnica
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.

 

Translate this page:

Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Arnica cordifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

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].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

Now available: PLANTS FOR YOUR FOOD FOREST: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens.

An important new book from PFAF. It focuses on the attributes of plants suitable for food forests, what each can contribute to a food forest ecosystem, including carbon sequestration, and the kinds of foods they yield. The book suggests that community and small-scale food forests can provide a real alternative to intensive industrialised agriculture, and help to combat the many inter-related environmental crises that threaten the very future of life on Earth.

Read More

FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Hair

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

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

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

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

image

The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

Shop Now

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].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Arnica angustifolia alpinaMountain TobaccoPerennial0.5 3-7  LMHSNM031
Arnica diversifoliaRayless arnicaPerennial0.3 0-0  LMHSNM011
Arnica fulgensHillside Arnica, Foothill arnicaPerennial0.6 4-8  LMHSNM02 
Arnica montanaArnica, Mountain arnicaPerennial0.3 5-9  LMHSNM03 
Senecio pseudoarnicaSeaside RagwortPerennial0.5 -  LMNM11 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Print Friendly and PDF

Expert comment

Author

Hook.

Botanical References

60200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

   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.

   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.

Add a comment

If you have important information about this plant that may help other users please add a comment or link below. Only comments or links that are felt to be directly relevant to a plant will be included. If you think a comment/link or information contained on this page is inaccurate or misleading we would welcome your feedback at [email protected]. If you have questions about a plant please use the Forum on this website as we do not have the resources to answer questions ourselves.

* Please note: the comments by website users are not necessarily those held by PFAF and may give misleading or inaccurate information.

To leave a comment please Register or login here All comments need to be approved so will not appear immediately.

Subject : Arnica cordifolia  
© 2010, Plants For A Future. Plants For A Future is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Charity No. 1057719, Company No. 3204567.