| Common Name | Latin Name | Plant Family |
|---|---|---|
|
Elecampane |
Inula helenium |
Compositae |
A blue dye is obtained from the bruised and macerated root mixed with ashes and whortleberries (Vaccinium myrtillus)[4, 46, 61].
The root yields up to 2% of a camphor-scented essential oil, this is used as a flavouring and medicinally[46, 61, 238].
Cultivation & Habitat
Seed – sow in spring or autumn in a cold frame[4]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
If you have sufficient seed, it could be worthwhile trying an outdoor sowing in situ in the spring.
Division in spring or autumn[111]. Fairly small pieces of root can be used, so long as each piece has a growth bud on it[4]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Root cuttings in winter. Cut sections of root about 5cm long, place them in a warm greenhouse over the winter and they should grow away vigorously[4].
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].
S.E. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.
Become ungovernable, break the chains of the matrix; grow and forage your own food and medicine.
*None of the information on this website qualifies as professional medical advice. Take only what resonates with your heart and use your own personal responsibility for what’s best for you. For more information [brackets] [000], see bibliography.