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Inula conyza - DC.

Common Name Ploughman's Spikenard
Family Asteraceae or Compositae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry or rocky slopes and cliffs, also in open scrub on calcareous soils[17].
Range Central and southeastern Europe, including Britain, from Denmark to N. Africa and the Near East.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Inula conyza Ploughman


http://www.flickr.com/photos/84474308@N00/
Inula conyza Ploughman
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tico_bassie/

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

I. squarrosa. non L. Conyza squarrosa.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
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].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Incense  Insecticide  Parasiticide

The leaves are burnt and used as an insecticide and parasiticide, especially against fleas[4, 100]. Even the smell of the plant is said to drive fleas away[4]. The root used to be burnt upon a fire in order to scent a room[245].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil in a sunny position[1]. The basal leaves of this species are often mistaken for the foxglove, Digitalis purpurea[17]. The basal leaves form a rosette that covers the ground for 30cm or more, destroying the grass underneath[245]. All parts of the plant are refreshingly aromatic[245].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, it is worthwhile trying a sowing in situ in the spring or the autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Inula britannicaXuan Fu Hua, British yellowheadPerennial0.8 6-9  LMHNMWe03 
Inula britannica chinensisXuan Fu HuaPerennial0.6 6-9  LMHSNM13 
Inula cappaSheep's EarShrub1.8 -  LMHSNM02 
Inula crithmoidesGolden SamphirePerennial1.0 -  LMHSNM20 
Inula heleniumElecampane, Elecampane inulaPerennial1.5 4-8  LMHSNM332
Inula racemosa Perennial2.0 6-9  LMHNM02 
Inula royleana Perennial0.6 5-9  LMHNM011

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

DC.

Botanical References

17

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

colin hart   Wed Dec 30 2009

Your reference 17 should be Clapham, Tutin and Warburg etc...

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Subject : Inula conyza  
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