Curryplant (Helichrysum italicum, Hort. Brit.: 342 (1830))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Roth) G.Don

Bibliography: Hort. Brit.: 342 (1830)

Year: 1830

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Helichrysum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

The Curryplant, scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, is an intriguing and aromatic member of the Asteraceae family. This plant, native to the Mediterranean region, is appreciated for both its ornamental and culinary uses. It was first documented in 1830 in “Hortus Britannicus” by Roth and later validated by G. Don.

Helichrysum italicum, commonly referred to as the Curryplant, does not actually provide curry as commonly misconceived but has a strong, curry-like fragrance, earning it its common name. Its silver-grey foliage and bright yellow flowers make it an attractive addition to gardens, offering both visual appeal and aromatic interest.

Typically found in the Mediterranean’s dry, rocky terrain, the Curryplant thrives in well-drained soils and enjoys full sun exposure. The plant is hardy and drought-resistant, making it a suitable choice for regions with similar climatic conditions.

Gardening enthusiasts often use the Curryplant in herb gardens or as a decorative border plant due to its vibrant appearance and the sweet, spicy scent it releases when brushed against. Additionally, beyond its ornamental value, its essential oils are sometimes extracted for use in perfumes and aromatherapy, thanks to its distinctive fragrance.

In summary, Helichrysum italicum, or the Curryplant, is a versatile and resilient plant that brings both beauty and a unique aroma to gardens, with a rich history rooted in the Mediterranean landscape and valued contributions to horticulture and the fragrant product industry.

Common Names

Deu: currystrauch
Swe: curryeternell
Eng: curryplant, curry plant
En: Curryplant, Curry plant, Curry-plant, Italian Everlasting, Live-ever, Sandy Everlasting, Yellow Chaste-weed
Ca: Guirnalda, Ramell de sant Ponç, Sempreviva de camp, Sempreviva itàlica
Nl: Kerrieplant
Fr: Immortelle d’Italie, Éternelle jaune
De: Currystrauch, Italienische Strohblume, Italienisches Sonnengold, Sandimmerschön
It: Elicriso italico, Perpetuini d’Italia, Semprevivo
Es: Helicriso, Siempreviva olorosa, Yesquera
Sv: Curryeternell

Synonyms

• Gnaphalium italicum (Roth)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Feb 3, 2022 by 卜 罗 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2021 by Fabio Biuzz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2021 by Fabio Biuzz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2017 by Bernard CURE (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Gallego Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2011 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Erich🦅 Junginger🥀🐝 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Gallego Javier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2017 by Bernard CURE (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 20, 2022 by John Davies (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2022 by mahoe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Gallego Javier (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 28, 2015 by Samuel Dufour-Kowalski (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2022 by luis rodriguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Vince J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2015 by Samuel Dufour-Kowalski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2020 by Angelo Mauro (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 30, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie-France PETIBON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 1990 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie-France PETIBON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Valdis Hliddal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Mamen Sasevi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Coralie Coralie Blaise (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by Velasco Isa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Mamen Sasevi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3131614)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:212898-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 4

Soil salinity: 4