Inula helenium
Plant Details
Plant Properties
Layer:
Herb layer
Format:
Smal
Height:
1.50 m
Width:
1.00 m
Growth Rate:
-
Leaf:
-
Growth conditions
USDA Hardiness:
4-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Half shade, Sun
Half shade, Sun
Usage properties
Edible part:
Leaves, Root
Leaves, Root
Edibility:
Medicinal:
Features:
Dye, Ethereal oil, Fragrant
Dye, Ethereal oil, Fragrant
Description
Leaves - cooked. Originally bitter and aromatic, they were used as a vegetable by the ancient Romans but are now rarely eaten. Root - candied and eaten as a sweet. It contains up to 44% inulin, a starch that cannot be digested by humans. Inulin usually passes through the digestive system without being broken down. However, it can ferment and cause gas in some people. Inulin can be converted into a sugar that is suitable for diabetics. The Council of Europe classifies Inula helenium as a natural food flavoring.
Harvest Data
Start Harvest:
01/08
End of Harvest:
30/09
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Arbutus unedoxaera Strawberry Tree |
Improves soil health and retention of moisture for Inula helenium. |
|
Brassica oleracea var. ramosa Dorbenton Perennial Kale |
Offers ground cover that helps suppress weeds around Inula helenium. |
|
Satureja montana Winter Savory |
Attracts pollinators that aid in the flowering of Inula helenium. |
|
Angelica sylvestris Wild angelica , Wood angelica |
Provides shade that can help protect Inula helenium from excessive sunlight. |
|
Symphytum officinale Comfrey, Common comfrey |
Enhances soil structure and nutrient availability for Inula helenium. |
|
Acorus calamus Sweet Flag, Calamus |
Helps to manage moisture levels in the soil, benefiting Inula helenium. |