
Elecampane
Inula helenium
- Layer 4 · Herbaceous
- Attracts pollinators
Status by region
No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.
Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).
Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.
About
Large herbaceous perennial with showy yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies. In the herbaceous layer of a food forest, it serves as a nectar plant and biomass accumulator, in addition to the traditional use of its root. It prefers cool, deep soils.
It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.
See which trees elecampane grows well with
These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.
No account needed.
Needs
- Water: Medium
- Light: Full sun
- Size: Herbaceous perennial up to 2 m
- Mature diameter: 1 m
- Soils: Loam, Clay
- Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean
Calendar
- January
- February
- March — Planting
- April — Planting
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September — Planting
- October — Harvest — Planting
- November — Harvest
- December — Harvest
- Harvest
- Planting
Medicinal use: The root and rhizomes are used in decoctions and syrups due to their potent expectorant and antibacterial action in the treatment of respiratory problems.
Where to buy
Central trees worth considering
May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.
May grow well with
Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.
Service treeSorbus domesticasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Large-leaved limeTilia platyphyllossame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Narrow-leafed ashFraxinus angustifoliasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
English oakQuercus robursame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Pyrenean oakQuercus pyrenaicasame climate · same soil · different layers · complementary functions · same exposure · same water needs
Related plants
Other species in the same layer or with the same function.
It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.
See which trees elecampane grows well with
These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.
No account needed.
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