European arnica (Arnica montana, Sp. Pl.: 884 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 884 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arnica

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Greenland

Description

European arnica, scientifically named Arnica montana, is a noteworthy species cherished both for its striking visual appeal and its historical medical applications. First chronicled by L. in 1753 within the influential botanical tome “Species Plantarum” (page 884), this resilient herb boasts a compelling legacy that spans various regions, from the icy stretches of Greenland to the diverse landscapes of Europe.

Belonging to the Asteraceae family, European arnica is often distinguished by its vibrant yellow-orange flowers which epitomize the classic daisy-like appearance characteristic of many in its botanical grouping. The plant thrives in nutrient-poor, acidic soils, often found in meadows and upland regions, where it withstands harsh climatic conditions with remarkable tenacity.

Beyond its visual allure, Arnica montana has been historically invaluable in the realm of traditional medicine. For centuries, it has been utilized to formulate herbal remedies, particularly revered for its purported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These natural treatments were often applied topically to alleviate muscle pain, reduce swelling, and promote the healing of bruises, making them a staple in folk medicine across its native range.

Despite its medicinal fame, European arnica faces challenges in modern times. Overharvesting and habitat loss have led to a decline in its natural populations, prompting conservation efforts to ensure its continued presence in the wild. Cultivation and regulated harvesting practices have become essential strategies to balance human use with ecological preservation.

European arnica’s dual legacy as a botanical beauty and a medicinal marvel highlights the intrinsic value of native flora. Through ongoing conservation and sustainable practices, Arnica montana can continue to flourish, providing aesthetic pleasure and natural remedies for generations to come.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig guldblomme, guldblomme, volvervej
Deu: arnika, berg-wohlverleih, berg-wohlverleih, echte arnica
Eng: european arnica, arnica, leopardsbane, mountain arnica, mountain-tobacco, leopard’s bane, mountain snuff, mountain tobacco, wolf’s bane
Nor: solblom
Fra: arnica, arnica des montagnes
Fin: etelänarnikki
Swe: etelänarnikki, slåttergubbe, hästfibbla
Nno: solblom
Nob: solblom
Nld: valkruid
Ita: arnica
En: European arnica, Arnica, Mountain-tobacco, Leopardsbane, Mountain arnica, Mountain tobacco, Leopard’s Bane, Mountain Snuff, Wolf’s Bane, Golden-fleece
Sq: Kaliboba
Ar: زهرة العطاس الجبلية
Az: Dağlıq öküzotu
Eu: Arnika
Be: Купальнік горны
Bs: Planinska arnika
Bg: Планинска арника
Ca: Àrnica
Zh: 山金車, 山金车
Hr: Planinska arnika
Cs: Prha arnika
Da: Volverlej, Almindelig guldblomme, Guldblomme, Volvervej
Nl: Valkruid, Wolverlei
Eo: Montara arniko
Et: Mägiarnika
Fi: Etelänarnikki
Fr: Arnica des montagnes, Arnica, Bétoine des montagnes, Tabac des montagnes, Thé des Vosges, Arnica de montagne, Arnique, Doronic des Vosges, Herbe aux prêcheurs, Panacée des chutes, Quinquina des pauvres, Souci des Alpes, Tabac des Savoyards, Tabac des Vosges
Ka: Არნიკა
De: Berg-Wohlverleih, Echte Arnica, Echte Arnika, Berg-Wohlberleih, Arnika, Berg-Wohlverleih, Arnika, Nießblum
Hu: Hegyi árnika
It: Arnica
Lt: Kalninė arnika, Kalnine arnika
No: Solblom
Nb: Solblom
Nn: Solblom
Fa: تنباکوی کوهی
Pl: Arnika górska
Pt: Arnica
Pt-br: Arnica-da-montanha
Ro: Arnică
Ru: Арника горная
Sr: Брђанка
Sk: Arnika horská
Es: Navadna arnika, Árnica, Tabaco de montaña
Sv: Slåttergubbe, Etelänarnikki, Hästfibbla
Zh-tw: 山金車
Uk: Арніка гірська

Synonyms

• Doronicum oppositifolium (Lam.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 18, 2020 by Mieke d (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Burkhard Korn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2019 by Maurizio Azzini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2019 by Hugo Baumann (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 17, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2020 by leandro leandro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 15, 2018 by Marta Balada (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Polinella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2019 by Maurizio Azzini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Claire Absil (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Mariana Le Brigand (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2019 by Maurizio Azzini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 9, 2012 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Jean-Luc Ferrière (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5405976)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30090722-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arnica montana L.)

Specifications

Growth