Ploughman's Spikenard

Inula conyza

Basic Information

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Genus: inula

Plant ID (slug): inula-conyza

Numeric ID: 21653

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Inula conyza is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Central and southeastern Europe, including Britain, from Denmark to N. Africa and the Near East.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; East Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiscrophulatic Emmenagogue Parasiticide Vulnerary The herb is antiscrofulatic, emmenagogue and vulnerary[4]. The plant was considered to be a good wound herb and it was frequently taken in decoction for bruises, ruptures, internal wounds etc[4]. It was applied externally to treat itchy skin[4].