Meadow Arnica is the only arnica species that is native to North America. Meadow Arnica is also known as 'Mountain Tobacco' by Native Americans due to the leaves resembling another very useful plant. Many Native American tribes utilized Meadow Arnica for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties and applied it to wounds, bruises, sprains, and swollen areas. Today, Meadow Arnica is used in very much the same way and is one of the most widely used herbs worldwide. Meadow arnica is said to be generally easier to grow than Mountain Arnica, which is especially true for low elevation gardens. Meadow Arnica is officially recognized as having much the same herbal properties as Mountain Arnica and therefore is recognized as a viable alternative. Meadow Arnica plants are perennial and prefer a cool shady spot in the garden. Meadow Arnica is a wonderful pollen source for bees and butterflies.