Other names for Inula helenium (Inula helenium) include “Horse heal” and “Wild Sunflower Scabwort.” Inula helenium is native to Eurasia. Its Latin name comes from Helen of Troy. In the legends about Helen of Troy, the elecampane grew wherever her tears fell.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Elecampane (Inula helenium), pronounced and also called horse-heal or elfdock, is a widespread plant species in the sunflower family Asteraceae. It is native to Eurasia from Spain to Xinjiang province in western China, and naturalized in parts of North America.
The plant’s specific name, helenium, derives from Helen of Troy; elecampane is said to have sprung up from where her tears fell. It was sacred to the ancient Celts, and once had the name “elfwort”. The plant traditionally was held to be associated with the elves and fairy folk.
Corrupted variations of the name Elecampane, such as alicompagne, hallecumb pain, and jollup and plain, have been used as miracle cures that can revive the dead in Mummers’ play in Britain and Ireland.
Nicholas Culpeper considered elecampane to be ruled by Mercury and used it to warm a cold and windy stomach, to resist poison, to strengthen sight, and to clear internal blockages.
Elecampane is a rather rigid herb, the stem of which attains a height of about 90–150 cm (35–59 in). The leaves are large and toothed, the lower ones stalked, the rest embracing the stem; blades egg-shaped, elliptical, or lance-shaped, as big as 30 cm (12 in) long and 12 cm (4.7 in) wide. Leaves are green on the upper side with light, scattered hairs, but whitish on the underside because of a thick layer of wool.
The flower heads up to 5 cm (2 inches) broad, each head containing 50-100 yellow ray flowers and 100-250 yellow disc flowers. The root is thick, branching and mucilaginous, and has a bitter taste and a camphoraceous odor with sweet floral (similar to violet) undertones.
II. How to Grow and Care
Elecampane is a hardy perennial herb that thrives with minimal fuss. The plant requires well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and full sun to partial shade. Special care points include ensuring the soil is not overly wet, as elecampane is susceptible to root rot. Additionally, dividing the clumps every few years encourages healthy growth and prevents overcrowding.
Sunlight and Soil
Elecampane enjoys full sun or part shade in deep, rich, moist well-drained soils.
Watering
Elecampane has moderate water requirements, thriving in areas with regular rainfall. This plant exhibits a balanced relationship with water, neither drought-tolerant nor requiring high humidity. Watering should be done every week to maintain its health and vigor. As elecampane is often grown outdoors, it’s crucial to consider the local climate and rainfall patterns when determining watering schedules. In temperate zones where rain is frequent, additional watering may not be necessary.
Fertilizing
Fertilize elecampane annually in spring with balanced nutrition fertilizer; a high phosphorus mix promotes robust root development and flowering. Apply following package instructions—typically a handful per plant. During active growth, increase frequency to every 4-6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; a slow-release option can ensure steady nutrient supply. Adjust regimen based on soil fertility, with less needed in rich soils. Always water thoroughly post-application to facilitate nutrient uptake.
Pruning
Trim back faded foliage in the autumn or early spring.
Propagation
To propagate elecampane, division is the optimal technique, where its clump-forming habit lends well to separation. Gardeners should gently divide the roots in early spring or fall, ensuring each division has adequate roots and shoots for successful growth. Careful handling helps maintain the plant’s vigor during the process. Once divided, plant the sections in well-drained soil, ensuring they receive ample sunlight to encourage robust development.
Transplanting
The optimal time for transplanting elecampane is during the S1-S3 season, or late winter to early spring, as this allows the plant to establish before the growth spurt. Choose a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Remember, slow and careful transplanting prevents shocking elecampane.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Elecampane is a versatile herbaceous perennial often planted in culinary and medicinal gardens. The tall stature and profusion of daisy-like flowers can also make a visual impact when it is established in garden borders as a single plant or in a group planting. In addition, the flowers are highly attractive to bees, making this an excellent plant for pollinator-friendly gardens.
- Medicinal and Culinary uses
The herb has been used since Ancient Greek times. Theophrastus recommended using the plant in oil and wine to treat the bites of vipers, spiders and pine caterpillars in his Historia Plantarum.
In Roman times, Apicius, a cookbook from the 1st century AD, describes it as a plant for testing whether honey is spoilt or not, the plant is immersed in the honey and then lit, if it burns brightly the honey is considered fine. The root was mentioned by Pliny in his Natural History both as a medicine and as a condiment.
In Medieval Europe, the roots were candied and eaten as confectionery.
In France and Switzerland it has been used in the manufacture of absinthe. In England it was formerly in great repute as an aromatic tonic and stimulant of the secretory organs. It is mentioned in an 1817 New-England almanack as a cure for hydrophobia when the root is bruised and used with a strong decoction of milk. It is used in herbal medicine as an expectorant and for water retention.