Elecampane
Inula helenium
Also listed as Aster helenium, Aster officinalis
Also known as Horse-heal, Elfdock, Scabwort
Climate Match for your location
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Elecampane is a tall perennial herb with large, velvety leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom mid to late summer. Traditionally valued in herbal medicine and as a dynamic accumulator, it attracts pollinators and has been used for centuries to support respiratory health.
Why grow it
Elecampane serves as a robust perennial alternative to annual medicinal herbs, persisting for many years once established with minimal intervention. Its deep taproot makes it effective for breaking compacted soil and accumulating minerals, while its late-season flowers provide nectar when many other plants have finished blooming. Compared to other inula species, helenium is among the hardiest and most widely adapted to temperate climates.
Watch out for
Elecampane requires well-draining soil and full sun to thrive; in poorly drained sites it may develop root rot despite its generally robust nature. Young plants benefit from consistent moisture during establishment, though mature plants tolerate dry periods. The plant spreads readily by seed and can self-sow prolifically in suitable conditions, so deadheading or cutting before seed dispersal may be necessary if containment is desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Central Asia and temperate Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Elecampane is a tall perennial herb with large, velvety leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom mid to late summer. Traditionally valued in herbal medicine and as a dynamic accumulator, it attracts pollinators and has been used for centuries to support respiratory health.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Elecampane grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Elecampane serves as a robust perennial alternative to annual medicinal herbs, persisting for many years once established with minimal intervention. Its deep taproot makes it effective for breaking compacted soil and accumulating minerals, while its late-season flowers provide nectar when many other plants have finished blooming. Compared to other inula species, helenium is among the hardiest and most widely adapted to temperate climates.
Watch out for
Elecampane requires well-draining soil and full sun to thrive; in poorly drained sites it may develop root rot despite its generally robust nature. Young plants benefit from consistent moisture during establishment, though mature plants tolerate dry periods. The plant spreads readily by seed and can self-sow prolifically in suitable conditions, so deadheading or cutting before seed dispersal may be necessary if containment is desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Central Asia and temperate Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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