February 25, 2025, 3:36 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Elecampane has long been used as a medicinal plant and is also known as the noble root, intestinal herb, or snakeroot. myHOMEBOOK introduces the plant, whose various species are also suitable as ornamental plants.
Elecampane likely originated in Asia Minor and the Near East and has since become widespread in Europe. The plant is a member of the daisy family, which includes species such as the dandelion, dyer’s chamomile, and the common daisy. This familial relationship is evident in the characteristics of elecampane. It grows herbaceously and has many yellow, basket-shaped inflorescences when it flowers. However, the medicinal properties of the plant lie primarily in its roots. Even in ancient times, these were used as an infusion to treat coughs and intestinal complaints. The roots’ bitter substances are believed to possess antispasmodic and choleretic properties.
Overview
Planting Elecampane
Elecampane can be found in garden centers as a potted perennial or purchased as seeds. The young perennial can be planted directly outdoors from March onwards. In February, seeds can be sown in germination trays on the windowsill. After one to two weeks, the seeds will germinate and should then be pricked out and planted in larger pots.
Location and Soil
Elecampane thrives in full sunlight and can tolerate partial shade at most. A sunny location is, therefore, essential. It also likes to be somewhat sheltered from the wind. Taller species and varieties feel at home in a perennial bed, while low-growing species also thrive in rock gardens. The soil can, therefore, be rather dry but should still be loose.
Appearance and Growth
Elecampane can look very different depending on the species and variety. What all the species have in common, however, are the yellow, basket-shaped flowers that unfold in midsummer from July. Some species of elecampane can reach up to two meters into the sky, while others only grow to a height of ten centimeters. The leaves also differ mainly in terms of their size. For example, the saltwort only has small, bare, and fleshy leaves that look almost like those of a conifer. In contrast, true elecampane features flat, slightly serrated leaves that can grow up to 50 centimeters in length.
Varieties of Elecampane
Elecampane is part of the genus Inula, which belongs to the daisy family. There are also over 100 different species, some of which are particularly popular with amateur gardeners. These include, among others:
- Rough elecampane: Also called rough-haired elecampane, it grows to a maximum height of 50 centimeters. The name ‘rough elecampane’ derives from the dense hairs covering its stems and leaves. This species also thrives in partial shade.
- Salt elecampane: The salt elecampane grows to a height of 10 to 90 centimeters and looks more like an herb with its narrow, needle-shaped leaves. It grows in salty soils, for example, on coastal stretches or sandy beaches. What is special about this species is that the leaves can be eaten both raw and cooked.
- Dwarf elecampane: In keeping with its name, the dwarf plant grows to a maximum height of 40 centimeters. This makes it ideal for edging flower beds or, with its yellow flowers from August, as a splash of color in rock gardens.
Care for Elecampane
The plant is considered relatively easy to care for. The following tips should be followed when watering, fertilizing, and propagating.
Watering
Elecampane generally copes well with drought; a few small amounts of water should only be given in spring and after planting if there is little rain. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging at all.
Fertilizing
Elecampane is generally easy to care for and does not require a lot of nutrients. A dose of compost in spring helps with new growth and the development of strong flowers.
Pruning
In spring, the elecampane should be pruned back vigorously. Old and dead shoots, in particular, should be put in the compost or organic waste garbage can before new shoots appear.
Winter Hardiness of Elecampane
The various species of elecampane often grow in rather inhospitable locations and are, therefore, particularly hardy here. Only very young plants may suffer frost damage if they are planted too late in the year.
Poisonous
The leaves of some elecampane species, such as the saltwort, are edible, and other parts of the plant are not poisonous. However, the root, which is considered medicinal, should not be consumed in excess or drunk as tea. The bitter substances it contains can otherwise lead to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Propagation
Elecampane typically propagates naturally through seeds and runners when the growing conditions are favorable. If you want to help, you can also collect the faded flowers in the fall and allow them to dry indoors. These can be used to obtain seeds, which can then be sown the following spring.
Alternatives to Elecampane
Plants like the coreopsis (commonly known as maiden’s eye) or dyer’s chamomile offer similar flower shapes with a broader color palette. In general, there are many species in the Compositae family that score points for their low maintenance requirements, pretty flowers, and use as a medicinal plant.
Bee Friendliness
Butterflies and bees are frequently attracted to the various species of elecampane.
Harvest
The flowers of the plant can be harvested as cut flowers at any time during the flowering period, while the roots are taken out of the ground from September to the end of October to make teas.
Use
First, thoroughly remove the soil and dead root parts from the dug-up roots and then clean them. The clean roots can then be roughly chopped with a knife and dried thoroughly. When stored in a dark place, these roots can be preserved for several months and are primarily used in medicinal infusions.
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Diseases and Pests
As elecampane is generally very robust, diseases and pests rarely affect the plant. At most, powdery mildew and other fungal diseases can become a problem if the plants are planted too densely.