Elecampane

Lot Location: 6.7 (Inula helenium)  Family:  Aster (Asteraceae) Hardy Zones 3 to 8 (Elf Dock) Herbaceous perennial. Native to southern and central Europe, the Balkan Peninsula and central Asia. Giant plant bearing handsome, yellow flowers.   Traditional Herbal Usage: Harvest the octopus-like roots in the fall of the second year’s growth. Was used for bronchial infection, pneumonia and debilitating, chronic cough. The plant is processed to yield a blue dye. Plant prefers part shade and evermoist soils, although full sun will be tolerated.Plant 2 feet apart.