Understory
← Species & systems
Elecampane (Inula helenium)

Elecampane

Inula helenium

Non-foodZones 38herb

Elecampane, pronounced and also called horse-heal or elfdock, is a widespread plant species in the sunflower family Asteraceae. It is native to Eurasia from Spain to Xinjiang province in western China, and naturalized in parts of North America.

Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).

At a glance

Sunlight
Partial shade
Water need
Medium
Mature height
2 m
Maintenance
Low
Hardiness
USDA 3–8
Layers
herb

Functional roles

medicinalinsectarypollinator

Propagation

How to make more of this plant for free — the permaculture way.

divisionseedeasy

When: Divide root autumn

Big yellow daisies on a tall perennial; the root is a traditional cough remedy.

Seed data pending expert review. Identification photo and description are sourced from Wikipedia/Wikimedia; always confirm a plant in person before eating any part of it.