Plant Details

Helichrysum italicum, syn. Helichrysum angustifolium

Curry Plant

Back

Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Helichrysum italicum, syn. Helichrysum angustifolium.

Use this plant

Log in to add this plant to your recipes.

Log in

Common names

5 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Curry Plant
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Italiaanse strobloem
  • Kerriekruid
  • Kerrieplant
French
  • Hélichryse italienne
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Helichrysum italicum, syn. Helichrysum angustifolium
Botanical family: Asteraceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Helichrysum (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Curry Plant

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 0.60 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Growth rate: None
Foliage: Evergreen

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 7-10
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Condiment, Tea
Edibility rating:
(2)
Medicinal rating:
(0)
Functions:
Hedge, Fragrant

Description

The leaves of this plant are used as a seasoning in salads and hot dishes. They have a subtle curry-like flavor but do not combine well with other foods. An essential oil, extracted from the leaves, is used as a flavoring to enhance fruity flavors in candies, ice cream, pastries, soft drinks, and chewing gum. Tea can also be made from the flower buds of this plant.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/07
Harvest ends: 31/08

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 558828; name ID 3134109; Helichrysum Mill.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.