Inula helenium Elecampane (Compositae)

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Inula helenium
Elecampane
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The Inula helenium plant species is found in S.E. Europe. Naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Elecampane.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Inula helenium
Common Name:  Elecampane
Family:  Compositae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1.5   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Fields, waysides, waste places, copses etc[17], often on moist soils in shade[4].

Cultivation Notes: An easily grown plant, it grows well in moist shady positions in ordinary garden soil, though it grows best in a good loamy soil[4]. Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil in a sunny position[1]. Plants are also tolerant of considerable neglect, succeeding on our Cornwall trial ground even when left unweeded for four years[K]. Elecampane has a long history of cultivation as a medicinal herb, though it is not commonly grown nowadays[4]. When first dug up, the roots smell like ripe bananas, but as they dry they take on the scent of violets[245].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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