Inula helenium - Elecampane

This striking member of the daisy family has flower heads of 6 to 8 cm diameter. The basal leaves can be up to 40 cm long, and the flower stems are adorned with stalkless clasping leaves positioned alternately up the stem. Elecampane is a tall, hairy plant; it is sometimes found on cliff tops but perhaps most commonly on grassy banks beside woodland.

We photographed this specimen on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in mid July, but you can find elecampane in bloom from June right through to September. It is quite common in Britain.