Golden Samphire

Inula crithmoides

Physical Characteristics

Inula crithmoides is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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, beetles. 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 saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Coasts of Europe, including Britain, and western Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Young leaves - raw or cooked[61, 105, 177]. They are occasionally used as a potherb[183]. The fleshy leaves and young shoots are pickled and used as a relish in salads etc[2, 66, 115, 183]. They are sometimes used as an adulterant of the true samphire, Crithmum maritimum[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known