Translate this page:

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Helichrysum_stoechas is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

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.

The stem tops and the flowers are deobstruent and expectorant[4]. They have been used in the treatment of colds[4] but their use is now considered to be obsolete[238]. The flowers have been used as diaphoretics and discutients[4].

References More on Medicinal Uses

The Bookshop: Edible Plant Books

Our Latest books on Perennial Plants For Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens in paperback or digital formats.

Edible Tropical Plants

Food Forest Plants for Hotter Conditions: 250+ Plants For Tropical Food Forests & Permaculture Gardens.

Edible Temperate Plants

Plants for Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests & Permaculture Gardens.

PFAF have eight books available in paperback and digital media.

More Books

PFAF have eight books available in paperback and digital formats. Browse the shop for more information.

Shop Now

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a light well-drained soil in a sunny sheltered position[1, 200]. Intolerant of excessive moisture[1]. Established plants are drought resistant[190]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c[200]. An aromatic plant with beautiful foliage, there are several named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

Shop Now

Plant Propagation

Seed - sow February/March in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5cm with a heel, June/July in a frame. Roots in 4 weeks. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey EUROPE: Albania, Greece (incl. Crete), Italy (incl. Sicily), Spain (incl. Baleares), France, Portugal AFRICA: Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Helichrysum stoechas		Perennial	0.5	7-10		LM	N	DM	0	1

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.

Expert comment

Author

(L.)Moench.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

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

Readers comment


	May 20 2012 12:00AM

This plant grows profusely in the wild where I live inland in Malaga province Andalucia, Spain. It comes into flower in April and May. By June most wild flowers have seeded. A local man has told me they are called Mantequilla de la terra (butter of the earth)and can be eaten. He said you put them into water but his accent and my poor Spanish meant that I understood no more.

Helichrysum_stoechas - (L.)Moench.