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].

Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked. Rather bitter and aromatic[115], they were used as a potherb by the ancient Romans[183] but are rarely used at present. Root - candied and eaten as a sweetmeat[4, 7, 27, 105, 183]. It contains up to 44% inulin[46, 240]. Inulin is a starch that cannot be digested by humans. It usually passes straight through the digestive system, though it can ferment and cause wind problems for some people[K]. Inulin can be converted into a sugar that is suitable for diabetics to eat[238].

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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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