Mountain Arnica (Arnica montana) is a rhizomatous perennial herb typical of acidic, nutrient-poor soils. Formerly common in Europe, it was found everywhere on the continent, from the plain up to 9,350 ft (2,850 m) above sea level. Today threatened by intensive agriculture and sheep overgrazing, it is in sharp decline throughout its distribution area and is confined to the least accessible areas from the mountain to the alpine levels. Mountain Arnica is therefore protected by various legal texts, in particular the Habitats European directive.