Elecampane

Hardy perennial elecampane with an imposing habit, appreciated for its large leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers that light up natural beds in summer.

Format

Hardiness 3 to 8

Difficulty level Easy

Family Asteraceae

Elecampane is a tall, perennial medicinal plant with a rustic charm, prized for its robust habit, broad foliage, and bright yellow flowers reminiscent of a wild daisy. It quickly adds height, volume, and a natural effect to perennial borders, medicinal plant gardens, naturalized landscapes, and meadow-style spaces. Its decorative flowers attract pollinators and add a beautiful sunny touch to the garden during the summer.

Easy to grow, elecampane prefers a sunny to slightly partially shaded location, in rich, cool, deep, and well-drained soil. It appreciates soils that retain some moisture, especially during hot periods, and can become an imposing plant once established. It is best to reserve enough space for it at the back of a border, near a fence, in a medicinal garden, or in a natural setting where its vertical silhouette can fully develop.

Traditionally recognized as a medicinal plant, elecampane is also cultivated for its spectacular presence, wild appearance, and high ornamental value. Its broad foliage creates a beautiful contrast with grasses, yarrows, coneflowers, bee balms, and other sun-loving perennials. It is an ideal plant for adding a botanical, rustic, and pollinator-friendly dimension to the garden, while enriching spaces dedicated to aromatic, medicinal, and natural plants.