Elecampane (Inula helenium, Sp. Pl.: 881 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 881 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Inula

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Temp. Eurasia

Description

Elecampane, known scientifically as Inula helenium, is a remarkable plant with a rich history and extensive application, primarily found in temperate regions of Eurasia. First described in Carolus Linnaeus’s seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this perennial herb belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is renowned for its diversity and numerous species.

The plant is easily recognizable by its towering height, often reaching up to six feet tall, and its large, broad leaves. The leaves are deeply veined and have a slightly serrated edge, giving them a textured appearance. Elecampane produces striking yellow flowers, reminiscent of small sunflowers, which bloom from mid-summer through early autumn. These bright, radiant flowers not only add a visual appeal to the landscape but also attract pollinators, making it an essential component of natural ecosystems.

Traditionally, Elecampane has been valued for its medicinal properties. The roots of the plant are rich in inulin, a type of dietary fiber, and have been used for centuries to treat respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and asthma. The herbal decoction made from its roots is known for its expectorant and antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe persistent coughs and clear mucus from the lungs. Moreover, Elecampane has been employed in various traditional remedies to support digestion and maintain overall gastrointestinal health.

Beyond its medicinal uses, Elecampane also plays a role in culinary practices. The roots can be candied or used as a flavoring agent in certain liquors and ales, imparting a unique aroma and taste. Despite its somewhat bitter flavor when consumed directly, it is cherished in some culinary traditions for its health benefits and distinctive taste.

In cultivation, Elecampane is relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained, loamy soils and locations with full to partial sunlight. Gardeners and herbalists often grow Elecampane for its therapeutic uses, as well as for its ornamental value in garden beds and wildflower meadows.

In conclusion, Elecampane (Inula helenium) is a multifaceted plant with significant historical, medicinal, and ecological importance. Its bright flowers and towering presence make it a beloved addition to gardens, while its roots offer profound benefits for respiratory and digestive health. As we continue to explore and understand the potential of natural remedies, Elecampane stands out as a noteworthy example of nature’s bounty.

Common Names

Lit: didysis debesylas
Deu: echter alant, helenenkraut
Eng: elecampane, elecampane inula, scabwort, velvet-dock, horseheal
Fra: grande aunée, inule, inule aunée, inule aulnée, inule grande aunée
Swe: jättenattljus, knärot, pricknattljus, smalt nattljus, isohirvenjuuri, ålandsrot, alant, elinsrot
Nor: knerot
Dan: knærod, læge-alant
Pol: oman wielki
Fin: pohjanhelokki, täplähelokki, yövilkka, isohirvenjuuri
Est: aedvaak
Nno: alantrot
Nob: alantrot
Lav: helēniju
Ces: oman pravý
Spa: raíz del moro
Por: énula-campana
Nld: griekse alant
Cym: clafrllys mawr, crachlys, llwyglys, llysiau y crach, marchalan
En: Elecampane, Scabwort, Velvet-dock, Elecampane inula, Horseheal, Velvet Dock, Elecampagne, Horse yellowhead, Tu mu xiang
Ar: طيون يوناني
Hy: Կղմուխ հեղինեի
Az: Uca andız
Ba: Андыҙ
Eu: Usteltxa
Bg: Бял оман
Ca: Herba de l’ala
Zh: Tu mu xiang, 土木香
Kw: Beol
Hr: Oman
Cs: Oman pravý
Da: Læge-Alant, Knærod
Nl: Griekse alant
Et: Aedvaak
Fi: Isohirvenjuuri, Pohjanhelokki, Täplähelokki, Yövilkka
Fr: Grande aunée, Inule, Inule aunée, Inule aulnée, Inule grande aunée, Oeil-de-cheval, Inule hélénie, Hélénium
Ka: Კულმუხო
De: Helenenkraut, Echter Alant
Hu: Örménygyökér
Io: Inulo
It: Enula campana, Enula, Elenio
Kk: Bïik andız, Биік андыз, بىيىك اندىز
Ky: Бийик карындыз же сарындыз
Ko: Moghyang
Lv: Helēniju
Lt: Didysis debesylas
Mk: Волско око
No: Knerot
Nb: Alantrot
Nn: Alantrot
Fa: زنجبیل شامی
Pl: Dziewosił, Omian, Oman wielki
Pt: Énula-campana, Helénio
Ro: Iarbă mare
Ru: Devjasil vysokij, Девясил высокий
Es: Raíz del moro, Veliki oman, Énula, Enule
Sv: Ålandsrot, Jättenattljus, Knärot, Pricknattljus, Smalt nattljus, Isohirvenjuuri, Alant, Elinsrot
Zh-tw: 土木香
Zh-hant: 土木香
Uk: Оман високий
Cy: Marchalan, Clafrllys Mawr, Crachlys, Llwyglys, Llysiau y Crach

Synonyms

• Aster helenium ((L.) Scop.)
• Corvisartia helenium ((L.) Mérat)
• Aster officinalis (All.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 12, 2020 by Bastien Alegot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Jeannette van Gent (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2018 by Maurizio Azzini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2019 by Eva T (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2019 by Jennifer Schäfer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2020 by Petra Buriánková (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2019 by Jennifer Schäfer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2020 by Bastien Alegot (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 6, 2018 by jan vanmol (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2019 by willem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2019 by Ha Anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 7, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2019 by Karolína Mainerová (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2020 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 20, 2019 by willem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2020 by Charles Palmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Sonya Charest (cc-by-sa)

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

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:225914-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3148340)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Inula helenium L.)

Specifications

Growth