Inula helenium
Family: Asteraceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to southern and central Europe,
the Balkan Peninsula and central Asia. Giant plant bearing handsome,
yellow flowers. Harvest the octopus-like roots in the fall of the
second year’s growth. Cough and lung remedy, bitter and antiseptic.
Elecampane has a strong activity against bronchial infection, pneumonia
and debilitating, chronic cough. The plant is processed to yield a blue
dye. Cultivation: Easy. Sow seed in greenhouse
in early spring or sow directly in garden in mid-spring. Light-dependent
germinator (plant on surface or only very shallowly covered, so light can
penetrate). Expect excellent germination in about 12 days.
After second set of leaves appear, transplant seedlings out to the garden,
even if you still expect a few frosts. Grows in full sun or partial
shade. Plant 2 feet apart. This is pure seed, with pappus removed.
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