Elecampane, Scabwort, Horseheal, Elf dock
Inula helenium

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

It grows 2.4-3 m high. It spreads 0.9-1.2 m wide. The leaves are large and oval. They have teeth and are wrinkled. They are downy underneath. The lower leaves can be 70 cm long. The flowers are yellow. They are produced in heads at the top of the plant. They are 8 cm across.

There are about 100 Inula species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It does well in wet, sunny locations. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. In Hobart Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Europe, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mediterranean, New Zealand, North America, Russia, Siberia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Uzbekistan

How it is used for food

The root is grated and used as a spice. It is also made into candy, sweetmeats and syrup. It is also used to flavour puddings, fish sauce, beer and cordials. The flowers and young leaves are eaten. They are bitter. They are best cooked.

It is sold in local markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, rhizome,herb, spice, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seed or by division.

Its other names

Local names

Anduz, Heghinei khot, Kghmugh, Mackulin, Maskulin, Oman, Veliki oman, Velvet-dock, Yellow starwort

Synonyms

Aster helenium (L.) Scop.; Aster officinalis All.; Corvisartia helenium (L.) Merat; Helenium grandiflorum Gilib.;