Arnica angustifolia alpina - Mountain Tobacco

Family:	Compositae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.5
Synonyms:	A. alpina. (L.)Olin.
Range:	N. Europe. N. Asia and Northern N. America.

Arnica angustifolia alpina (Mountain Tobacco) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.5m . It has a hardness rating of 3.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Mountain Tobacco will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Mountain Tobacco prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Mountain Tobacco can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Pasture and open woodland on neutral to calcareous soils[200]. Bare rocky alpine slopes and summits[60].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist, well-drained humus rich soil, preferably lime-free[200]. This species is more lime tolerant than other members of the genus[200]. Prefers a mixture of sand, loam and peat[1]. Closely related to A. montana[268].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
The whole flowering plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory and vulnerary[172]. This species is closely related to A. montana and is included in that species by some botanists. The medicinal uses of that plant are as follows:- Arnica has a long history of herbal use, especially as an external treatment for bruises and sprains[232, 238] - it is an ingredient of a number of proprietary preparations[238]. Internally, it has been used in the treatment of heart complaints and as a booster for the immune system[238]. Arnica increases local blood supply and accelerates healing, it is anti-inflammatory and increases the rate of absorption of internal bleeding[254]. Generally the plant is nowadays only recommended for internal use as a homeopathic medicine, principally for treating shock, injury and pain[254]. If used as a decoction or tincture it stimulates the circulation and is valuable in the treatment of angina and a weak or failing heart, but it can be toxic even at quite low doses and so is rarely used this way[254]. The flowers are the part most commonly used[4, 232], they are harvested when fully open and dried - the receptacles are sometimes removed since these are liable to be attacked by insects[4]. The root is also used, it is harvested after the leaves have died down in the autumn and dried for later use[4]. The whole plant is antiecchymotic, antiphlogistic, nervine, sternutatory, vulnerary[4, 7, 9, 46, 165]. Although a very valuable remedy, it should be used with caution. It has been known to cause contact dermatitis when used externally and collapse when taken internally[238]. Only take it internally under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The freshly crushed flowers cause sneezing if inhaled[232]. The leaves have also been smoked as a tobacco[232], though it is unclear whether this was for medicinal reasons The whole plant, harvested when in flower, is used in homeopathic remedies[232]. It is especially useful in the treatment of traumatic injuries, sores and bruises[232]. The homeopathic dose has also been used effectively in the treatment of epilepsy and seasickness, and it might be of use as a hair growth stimulant[268].

• Antiecchymotic - Prevents or treats bruising.
• Antiphlogistic - Reduces inflammation.
• Nervine - Stimulates and calms the nerves.
• Sternutatory - Promotes sneezing and nasal discharges.
• Vulnerary - Promotes the healing of wounds.

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].

Known Hazards

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

Other Uses

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

• Hair - Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest.
Hitchcock. C. L.
Author: Hitchcock. C. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A standard flora for Western N. America with lots of information on habitat etc. Five large volumes, it is not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1955

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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