ELECAMPANE.
Inula helenium.
A hardy, herbaceous, perennial plant, introduced from Europe, but growing spontaneously in moist places, by roadsides, and in the vicinity of gardens where it has been cultivated. Stem from three to five feet high, thick and strong, branching towards the top; the leaves are from nine inches to a foot in length, ovate, toothed on the margin, downy beneath; the flowers are yellow, spreading, and resemble a small sunflower; the seeds are narrow, four-sided, and crowned with down.
The plants blossom in July and August, and there is but one variety cultivated.
Propagation and Culture.—It is generally propagated by dividing the roots; but may be grown from seeds, which are sown just after ripening. The plants should be set in rows two feet asunder, and a foot from each other in the rows.
Use.—Elecampane is cultivated for its roots, which are carminative, sudorific, tonic, and alleviating in pulmonary diseases. They are in their greatest perfection when of two years' growth.