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Uses

Toxic parts

The plant is poisonous to ruminants[1]. Contact with the plant might cause dermatitis in sensitive people[1].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Helenium autumnale.

Material uses

The plant contains helenalin, a compound that has insecticidal properties, though it is also toxic to fish and worms[1].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The dried nearly mature flower heads are used in a powdered form as a snuff to treat colds and headaches[2][1][3]. When made into a tea they are used in the treatment of intestinal worms[1].

The powdered leaves are sternutatory[1][3]. An infusion of the leaves is laxative and alterative[2]. An infusion of the stems has been used as a wash in the treatment of fevers[3].

The plant contains helenalin, a compound that has shown significant anti-tumour activity[1].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

If you have sufficient seed it might be worthwhile trying a sowing in mid to late spring in situ outdoors[4]. Cuttings of soft wood from the base of the plant, June/July in a frame. Basal cuttings in spring[5]. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Division in spring or autumn[4]. This needs to be done fairly regularly because the clumps soon become congested[6]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Helenium autumnale. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Grows well in ordinary garden soil[7][4], succeeding in most conditions other than boggy soils[6]. It prefers a fertile moisture retentive soil[5] in a sunny position[8][4]. Dislikes dry soil[5].

Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[6]. A good bee and butterfly plant[9].

A very ornamental plant[7], some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[10].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Helenium autumnale. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Helenium autumnale.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Helenium autumnale
Genus
Helenium
Family
Compositae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.8 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. ISBN 0-8160-2624-6 (1993-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.2 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    8. ? International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association. (1981-00-00)
    9. ? Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan ISBN 0-330-26642-x (1982-00-00)
    10. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    11. ? Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. (1950-00-00)

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