Elecampane Inula helenium
Elecampane (Inula helenium) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to South-eastern Europe to the western Himalaya; long naturalised across Europe and North America. It grows 1.2–2.5 m (3.9–8.2 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan Elecampane in your garden →
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Elecampane at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2.5 m (3.9–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: root (candied, in small amounts) |
| Native to | South-eastern Europe to the western Himalaya; long naturalised across Europe and North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇹 Italy |
Is Elecampane toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: root
Can cause allergic skin reactions; large doses upset the stomach.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Elecampane
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Elecampane
- How far apart should I plant Elecampane?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Elecampane need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Elecampane need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Elecampane?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Elecampane flower?
- From about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Elecampane poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Can cause allergic skin reactions; large doses upset the stomach.
- What grows well with Elecampane?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Elecampane. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Huge basal leaves and thread-petalled yellow daisies on tall stems; a bold back-of-border plant. The thick root, rich in inulin, was candied as a cough sweet from Roman times to the 19th century.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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