Heartleaf Arnica
Arnica cordifolia
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Walter Siegmund (talk)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Arnica
- Species:
- Arnica cordifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- ARCO9
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open woods and forest edges
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Light aids germination. Seeds require cold-moist stratification and prefer cooler germination temperatures around 15-18°C.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: 60 day cold, moist stratification. Seeds are imbibed in water for 4 hours and placed in fine mesh bags buried in moist peat moss in ventilated containers under refrigeration at 1 to 3C.
Establishment: Cold, moist stratification of high elevation seed sources may increase germination percentages and germination uniformity. However, this may not be necessary for lower elevation seed sources. The seed coat is very thin, and is susceptible to insect damage and rot. Seed production under tree canopy is poor. Locate populations in full sun or in open forests or meadows for seed collection. Seeds are hand collected in July and August when achenes are easily separated from receptacle. Seeds are grey at maturity. Seeds are collected in paper bags and kept in a well ventilated drying shed prior to cleaning.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 10C.