Inula racemosa
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Inula racemosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Borders of fields to an elevation of 3,000 metres.
E. Asia - Western Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The rhizome is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a sweet, bitter and acrid taste with a neutral potency. It is used in the treatment of contagious fevers that have not fully ripened and pain in the upper body, especially between the neck and the shoulders.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in a sunny position in ordinary garden soil. Requires a moist well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A vigorous plant, it can be naturalised in the wild garden or other informal positions. Plants take some years to become fully established.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist