Helen’s Tear

Inula helenium L. subsp. helenium
Scientific name:
Inula helenium L. subsp. helenium
Common name:
Elecampane
Family:
Asteraceae
Biological form:
Emicriptofita scaposa

Characteristics

Habit: Tall perennial herb up to 200 cm with thick rhizome. Stem robust and hairy below. Leaves very large, ovate, tomentose beneath. Flowers: Large yellow heads in corymbs. Fruits: Achenes with pappus. Flowering: July–September.

Distribution and habitat

Chorological type: Southeastern European. Distribution in Italy: Most regions except far south. Habitat: Moist meadows and woodland edges, 500–1200 m.

Etymology

Generic name (Inula): Possibly from Greek for purifying. Specific name (helenium): Linked to Helen of Troy.

Uses and properties

Medicinal plant used for respiratory ailments and digestion.

Curiosities

Linked to myth of Helen of Troy.