Rosilla
Helenium puberulum
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Helenium puberulum is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Moist meadows, marshes, slough banks etc, below 600 metres in California.
South-western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves and flowering heads - raw.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Antiscorbutic, tonic. The dried powdered plant has been applied to wounds and has also been rubbed onto the forehead and nose in the treatment of colds. It has been used as a snuff. The plant has also been used in the treatment of venereal disease.
Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Sternutatory: Promotes sneezing and nasal discharges.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Grows well in ordinary garden soil, succeeding in most conditions other than boggy soils. It prefers a fertile moisture retentive soil in a sunny position. Dislikes dry soil. An annual or short-lived perennial, this species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A good bee and butterfly plant.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. If you have sufficient seed it would be worthwhile trying a sowing in situ outdoors in mid to late spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist