Overview
Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde is a native North American plant species belonging to the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It is commonly found growing in high elevation habitats like subalpine and alpine meadows in the western United States and Canada.
Common Names
Arnica alpina ssp. lonchophylla goes by several common names including alpine arnica, mountain arnica, and lonchophylla arnica.
Appearance
Arnica alpina ssp. lonchophylla is a perennial herb that grows up to 12 inches tall. It has lance-shaped leaves that are pale green and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are yellow and daisy-like, with a central disc of fertile florets surrounded by ray florets up to 2 inches across. The plant produces a taproot that can grow up to 2 feet deep in the soil.
Uses
Arnica alpina ssp. lonchophylla has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. The plant has been used topically to treat bruises, sprains, and other injuries, as well as for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It is also used in homeopathic medicine for its healing effects on the skin and mucous membranes. However, it should be noted that the ingestion of arnica can be toxic and should be avoided.
Light Requirements
Arnica alpina ssp. lonchophylla requires full sun to light shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to grow in mountainous regions and can tolerate cold temperatures. It prefers cool summers with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) and cold winters with temperatures ranging from -10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F).
Soil Requirements
Arnica alpina ssp. lonchophylla is adapted to grow in well-drained, rocky soils that are slightly acidic. It prefers soils that are moist but not waterlogged. This plant can tolerate nutrient-poor and shallow soils.
Additional Growth Conditions
Arnica alpina ssp. lonchophylla has a slow growth rate and may take several years to reach maturity. It is typically found growing in alpine meadows, talus slopes, and rocky outcrops. This plant is adapted to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as strong winds and fluctuations in temperature. It is also highly resistant to pests and diseases.
Cultivation Methods for Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde
Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde is an alpine plant that prefers cool and moist conditions. This plant requires well-drained soil with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. Additionally, it demands full sun, but in hotter summers, some afternoon shade can help.
The plant can be propagated by asexual means, such as root cuttings or division in spring or autumn. You can also grow them from seed in spring or autumn by scattering them on top of the soil. It needs around 14 to 21 days to germinate, after which, seedlings should be transplanted to larger containers.
Watering Needs for Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde
Arnica alpina requires regular watering during its growing stage to keep the soil moist. It is drought tolerant, but flowering is limited if the soil is too dry. Overwatering is a problem; therefore, ensure the soil is not boggy. Additionally, it is essential to note that too much water during bloom time can cause the flowers to rot.
Fertilization for Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde
Arnica alpina is not a heavy feeder, and therefore, a typical garden soil will have plenty of nutrients. However, you can apply a balanced granular fertiliser in spring to enhance growth. Additionally, you can add compost or composted manure to the soil to improve its fertility.
Pruning for Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde
Arnica alpina does not need much pruning, and you can leave it to grow naturally. However, the dead or damaged foliage and flowers must be removed in summer during the growing season. You can then cut back the plant entirely to one-third of its height during fall or spring. This action promotes new growth and improves the plant's general appearance.
Propagation of Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde
Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde can be propagated by various methods such as seed sowing, division, or rooting stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde is through seed sowing. This can be done in the spring when soil temperatures have warmed up. The seed should be planted in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. It is best to keep the soil moist but not wet until germination occurs, which can take up to 4 weeks.
Division
Dividing Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde can be done in the spring or fall. The plant should be dug up and carefully divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a few shoots. The newly divided plants can then be planted in well-draining soil at the same depth as the original plant.
Rooting Stem Cuttings
Arnica alpina (L.) Olin ssp. lonchophylla (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde can also be propagated by rooting stem cuttings. This is best done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem and take a cutting that is approximately 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Arnica alpina ssp. lonchophylla is prone to fungal diseases such as leaf spots, rusts, and powdery mildew. These diseases can be managed through various cultural and chemical methods.
Cultural Control:
- Make sure to plant the Arnica alpina ssp. lonchophylla in well-drained soil and avoid overhead watering.
- Remove any diseased plant parts immediately and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Provide proper spacing between plants to promote good air circulation.
Chemical Control:
- Fungicides such as copper-based sprays, sulfur-based sprays, and neem oil can help manage fungal diseases.
- Follow the instructions on the fungicide label carefully and apply at the appropriate time for best results.
Pest Management
Arnica alpina ssp. lonchophylla can be affected by various pests such as aphids, mites, and snails. These pests can cause damage to the plant by feeding on its leaves and stems. Here are some methods to manage common pests:
Cultural Control:
- Keep the area around the plants clean and free of debris to discourage the pests from making a home there.
- Handpick and remove any visible pests manually. This method is especially effective for snails and slugs.
- Inspect plants regularly for signs of infestation and address the problem as soon as it's detected to avoid further damage.
Chemical Control:
- Insecticides such as neem oil, pyrethrin, and spinosad can be used to manage insect pests. Be careful when using these products as they may harm beneficial insects as well.
- Follow the instructions on the insecticide label carefully and apply at the appropriate time for best results.
