Inula royleana

Inula royleana is a perennial in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It comes from the Himalayas, from Pakistan into northern India. Records include Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Wild plants grow in scrub and grassy gaps within forests. They also grow on open, dry slopes in Kashmir. Recorded habitats lie between about 6,890 and 13,120 feet [2,100–4,000 metres] above sea level.

In gardens, plants reach about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. Their spread reaches about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Plants may need several years to become fully established. This makes patience useful when judging a new planting. The supplied species account gives little detail about leaves or stems. It records flowering from August through October. Seeds also ripen during those months. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees and flies pollinate the flowers, and plants are self-fertile.

Grow this species in moist soil with good drainage. A sunny site suits it, though some partial shade is acceptable. The account also places it along sunny woodland edges. Avoid deep shade, which the plant does not tolerate. Ordinary garden soil can suit its needs. It grows in sandy soil, loam, and heavy clay. It also tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Plants withstand cold down to about −4°F [−20°C]. The listed USDA hardiness range is zones 5–9.

Its modest size and late flowers suit a woodland garden edge. Keep its need for moist soil in mind when choosing a site. Propagate it by seed or division. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring or autumn. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outside in summer. Divide established plants in spring or autumn. The source does not flag it as weedy. It gives no specific pest or disease problems.

No edible uses are recorded, and eating it is not advised. The source lists no known hazards in its summary. Yet its medicinal notes also describe the plant as poisonous. Those notes report disinfectant, insecticidal, and parasite-control uses. They also describe an alkaloid that lowers blood pressure and affects gut movement. These reports do not establish safe home use. Treat the plant as an ornamental, rather than food or medicine.