Additional notes (click to expand)
Commemorative
Named for Adelbert von Chamisso (30 January 1781 – 21 August 1838) was a German poet and botanist, travelled around the world, discovered Eschscholzia californica. Poet. Custodian Berlin Botanic Garden.
wikipedia
Medicinal
The European A. montana probably killed the Swiss herbalist Konrad von Gesner (1516-1565) who took some orally and died about an hour later. All arnica species are licensed only for external use in the UK and USA but internal use is allowed in Germany. Numerous Arnica species exist in the USA (A. chamissonis not mentioned here) and used by many tribes. Arnica fulgens used on wounds and sore muscles. A. acaulis drunk for back pain by the Catawba.
Milspaugh, C.E. (1974) American Medical Plants
Used for bruises by Native Americans.
Hutchens, Alma A (1991) Indian Herbology of North America
Toxicity
The European A. montana probably killed the Swiss herbalist Konrad von Gesner (1516-1565) who took some orally and died about an hour later. All arnica species are licensed only for external use.
Geographical distribution
- Northern America
Arnica chamissonis Less.
Family: ASTERACEAEGenus: Arnica
Species: chamissonis Less.
Common names: Chamisso Arnica; American Arnica
Distribution summary: W. North America
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: H5 - Hardy; cold winter
Habitat: Moist meadows.
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: North America (A)
Flowering months: June, July, August
Reason for growing: Medicinal