Japanese name: ダンゴギク（団子菊） Scientific name:Helenium autumnale
[Overview]
A perennial growing about 0.6–1.8 m tall.
The stem branches in the upper part.
Leaves are simple and alternate, lanceolate and 5–12 cm long, with toothed margins.
The leaf base is winged and runs down the stem.
Flower heads 3–5 cm across are borne at the stem tips; the ray flowers around the heads are shallowly 3-lobed.
The tubular flowers in the center rise in a hemispherical mound.
The fruit is an achene.
[Uses]
The whole plant is used medicinally.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
In a sunny, well-drained place it is not particular about soil, and if the environment suits it, it grows well even when left alone.
Established plants need no particular watering; rainfall is sufficient.
Too much fertilizer makes the plant taller and bushier and more likely to fall over, so none needs to be applied.
Powdery mildew can occur.
