Inula helenium (Elecampane) is a herbaceous flowering plant that is native to a vast area that spans from Spain to western China. For centuries, Elecampane has been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. It also produces beautiful yellow flowers and adapts to a wide range of growing conditions.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Inula helenium is also called Horseheal, Elfwort or Elfdock and was traditionally associated with elves and fairies.
To make a herbal tea from Elecampane, the root is boiled in water for 2-3 minutes and then left to steep for another 10-15 minutes.
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Growth
Inula helenium is a perennial flowering herb that grows to a maximum height of 1.8 metres (6 feet) by a width of 1 metre (3 feet). Elecampane is a rigid herb with large, toothed leaves that are elliptical and can grow to 30cm (1 foot) each. Plants are native to temperate cool regions and are prolific flowers during the warmer months before becoming dormant during the winter.
When grown in the ideal conditions, flowering can occur during Spring but more often happens in their first Summer. The more sought after and medicinal roots are ready for harvest during their second Summer but are more often picked later during the cooler Autumn.
The roots are said to have a bitter taste and a Camphor-like odor. Not surprisingly, Elecampane is part of the same plant family as the Common Sunflower.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5-30°C / 23-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.8m (6 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1m (3 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
Flowers in 6-12 months, Roots in 12-18 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
80-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 10-15°C / 50-59°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 300
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT INULA HELENIUM (Elecampane)
Part of the botanical name Inula helenium is derived from Helen of Troy which was said to have sprung up from where her tears fell. Elecampane has a history of unusual traditions and was considered sacred by the ancient Celts.
Traditional folk stage plays in medieval Britain used corrupted names such as alicompagne, jollup and plain and hallecumb pain and portrayed Elecampane in their stories as herb that could perform miracles.
Nicolas Culpeper, a 17th century herbalist believed Elecampane to be ruled by Mercury and used it for internal blockages, to resist poison and to strengthen sight. The Ancient Greeks used to use Elecampane to treat bites from snakes and spiders.
It is also mentioned in an 1817 New-England almanack as a cure for hydrophobia when the root is bruised and used with a strong decoction of milk.
For more information regarding the medicinal benefits of Elecampane please click here.
