Elecampane

Information on Elecampane

Common Name: Elecampane
Scientific Name: Inula helenium
Irish Name: Meacan aillinn
Family Group: Asteraceae
Distribution: View Map (Courtesy of the BSBI)
Flowering Period


Click for list of all flowering by month
Elecampane is not easily confused with other wild plants on this web site.


Tall – sometimes reaching 2metres – this is a most distinctive perennial.  Not found too frequently, it bears large, daisy-like yellow flowers (5-8cm across) in small clusters on long, hairy stems in July and August.  The rays of the flower-heads are narrow with three-notched ends and surround the numerous deep-yellow disc florets.  The toothed leaves (to 40cm) are hairy below, the upper clasping the stem, the lower being broad, ovate and stalked.  This is an introduced species which has become naturalised.  It belongs to the Asteraceae family.   

I first recorded this plant near Ballyvaughan, Co Clare in 2009 when I also photographed it. 

If you are satisfied you have correctly identified this plant, please submit your sighting to the National Biodiversity Data Centre

16th century herbalist, John Gerard, recommended the use of Elecampane for those suffering from shortness of breath.  It is currently used in Chinese medicine for the same purpose.  

Elecampane
Elecampane
Elecampane
Elecampane