Description
Mountain arnica is a cheerful perennial wildflower that grows in open forests and moist meadows in montane and subalpine habitat. Slowly spreading from a rhizome, mountain arnica grows well in raised beds in the garden setting, or in well-drained forest loam when direct seeded. Yellow daisy-like flowers grow at the end of each 6″-2′ tall stem in the summer. Basal leaves are broad, almost cordate, and generally toothed. Mountain arnica prefers well-drained humus-rich sandy or loamy soils with medium to moist conditions in full sun to part shade. Mountain arnica is used medicinally and is considered medicinally interchangeable with Arnica montana, the most common commercial arnica species available, that is declining in its native European habitat. Mountain arnica is highly attractive to many native pollinators.
Seed Germination Instructions
No pretreatment necessary, however, seed germination may be aided by 30 days cold-moist stratification. Sow outside in fall to early spring. Sow on soil surface or lightly cover. Seed germination may be improved with exposure to light.
