Elecampane Inula helenium

Elecampane is in the Asteraceae (daisy) family and is a very recent introduction to North America. A native of Europe, this perennial weed has been introduced to several nurseries in contaminated hostas and daylilies from the Netherlands. Once introduced, the plant spreads aggressively by thick, fleshy roots that produce new shoots. Plants form rosettes of long, thin leaves that resemble some asters or fleabanes. The leaves also resemble buckhorn plantain leaves except plantain leaves have five distinct parallel veins while Elecamane leaves have netted veins. Leaves remain green through the winter.

Plants require a chilling period to flower. In the spring plants spread rapidly, then in early to mid-summer flowering stems begin to elongate. Plants produce attractive, typical aster-like flowers, yellow to light orange in color. It is unclear whether or not the species produces viable seeds in North America. Because the plant primarily reproduces vegetatively, preemergence herbicides commonly used are not effective. It is nearly impossible to remove all of the root pieces; consequently, if a container plant is infested it should be destroyed before the weed can spread.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Its weedy tendencies and may cause contact dermatitis in some people.