The aim of our study was to assess the strategy developed by terrestrial plants growing in an area contaminated by arsenic to avoid or minimize the toxic effects caused by this element. Eight plant species from two arsenic-contaminated areas were selected for the investigation. Arsenic uptake by different plants was discussed. The speciation analysis of arsenic in plant leaves was performed as well and both inorganic As(III) and As(V) were detected. Moreover, the concentration of phytochelatins in the investigated terrestrial plants was determined. It was noted that the highest concentration of arsenic was found in herb Robert (Gernium robertianum) 21 mg·kg^-1 and common nettle (Urtica dioica) 5.3 mg·kg^-1 in the cases of Złoty Stok and Łomianki, respectively. Phytochelatins were present in all investigated plant species: PC₃ was present in the highest concentration in plants from Złoty Stok (compared to other phytochelatins) while none of the phytochelatins dominated in plants from Łomianki. A correlation between concentrations of phytochelatin and arsenic was found in one of the nettle samples from Łomianki.