Arnica
(from arnakis, lambskin; in reference to the texture of the leaves). ORD. Compositoe. Hardy, dwarf, herbaceous perennials, allied to Senecio. They thrive best in loam, peat, and sand; the plants are best divided in spring. Seeds should be procured when possible, and sown in a cold frame, in spring. The only species worth growing are described below.
A. Aronicum. A synonym of A. scorpioides.
A. Chamissonis (Chamisso's).* fl.-heads yellow, 1 1/2in. to 2in. across, arranged in a corymb. July to September. l. oblong-lanceolate, acuminate or acute, tomentose, tapering to the base. h. 1ft. to 2ft. North America. A rather scarce, showy species.
A. Clusii (Clusius's). fl.-heads yellow, solitary, terminal; stalks long, thickened towards the top, and covered with long hairs. Summer. l. soft, radical ones entire, or nearly so, oblong, obtuse, attenuate? into the petiole; cauline ones sessile, half stem-clasping, lanceolate, toothed in the lower part. h. 1ft. Switzerland, 1819. SYN. Doronicum Clusii. A. foliosa (Loafy?).* fl.-heads pale yellow, about 1in. across, from three to seven in a corymb. August. l. lanceolate, stalked, <acute?>, denticulate, smooth. h. 1ft. to 2ft. Stems springing from slender rhizome-like shoots. United States. Closely allied to A. montana. It requires a damp situation. A. montana (mountain).* Mountain Tobacco. fl.-heads yellow, three or four together, about 2in. in diameter; ray florets numerous. July. l. radical, except a few on the scape, oblong-lanceolate, entire, smooth. Habit tufted. h. 1ft. Europe. 1731. A very handsome but rare plant; excellent for a rockery. It is slowly increased.
A. scorpioides (scorpion-like).* fl.-heads yellow, large, solitary; scape one to three-flowered. Summer. l. pale green, denticulated; radical ones on long petioles, broadly ovate; the lower stem leaves shortly stalked, amplexicaul; the upper ones sessile. h. 6in. to 12in. South Europe, 1710. Border. SYNS. A. Aronicum, Aronicum scorpioides.