Sheep's Ear
Inula cappa
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Inula cappa is a SHRUB growing to 1.8 m (6ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.8
Where it is found
In shrubberies and on open slopes, often gregarious, at elevations of 1,000 - 2,400 metres. In forests of long-leafed pines.
E. Asia - Himalayas from Himachel Pradesh to south-western China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
Anodyne, antiphlogistic, carminative, depurative, expectorant, dispels clots. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers, indigestion and other gastric disorders. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of fevers. The decoction is also added to bath water in order to relieve body aches caused by hard physical work. A poultice made from the pounded root is applied to the forehead to relieve headaches. The juice of the bark, mixed with equal quantities of the juice from the bark of Ficus semicordata and Myrica esculenta is used in the treatment of menstrual disorders.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Not known
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist