Plant Details

Inula helenium

Elecampane

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Inula helenium.

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General Information

Scientific name: Inula helenium
Also known as: Elecampane

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous
Size: Small
Height: 1.50 m
Width: 1.00 m
Growth Rate: None
Leaf: None

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Root
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
Dye, Essential 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