Helichrysum italicum

Helichrysum italicum
This large genus of about 500 species of annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, and evergreen shrubs and subshrubs, occurs in Europe, Asia, Africa, (especially S Africa), and Australasia, mostly in dry, sunny places. Many species have aromatic, gray foliage and papery, "everlasting" flowers, making attractive plants for sunny borders. Though not particularly important as herbs, several species are grown in herb gardens for their scent and appearance. Some have minor uses: Helichrysum orientale (immortelle) yields essential oil, used in perfume blending; H. petiolare syn. H. petiolatum hort. (licorice plant, silver licorice) has licorice-flavored roots; H. serpyllifolium (Hottentot tea) was popular as a tea in S Africa, until doubts were cast on its safety; and H. stoechas (eternal flower) is an obsolete medicinal herb, once used as an expectorant. Many helichrysums dry well for floral arrangements and potpourris. Helichrysum comes from the Greek helios, "sun", and chrysos, "golden", referring to the flower color.

Evergreen subshrub, with aromatic, linear, silver-gray to yellow-green leaves, to 3cm (1¼in) long. Small deep yellow, button-like flowers are borne in corymbs, to 8cm (3in) across, in summer and autumn.

Common Name:	Helichrysum Italicum syn. H. angustifolium
Botanical Name:	Helichrysum italicum syn. H. angustifolium
Genus:	Helichrysum
Family:	Asteraceae
Native Location:	S Europe
Cultivation:	Light, well-drained soil in sun. Dislikes excessively wet winters. Cut back to with 2.5cm (1in) of previous year's growth in spring.
Propagation:	By seed sown at 13-16°C (55-61°F) in spring; by heel or semi-ripe cuttings in spring.
Harvest:	Sprigs are picked in summer and used fresh for flavoring or extraction of essential oil.
Varieties:	Subsp. serotinum syn. H. serotinum (Curry plant) Is compact, with strongly aromatic leaves to 4cm (1½in) long. The whole plant smells strongly of curry, especially after rain. Height: 40cm (16in) Width: 75cm (30in)
Height:	60cm (24in)
Width:	1m (3ft)
Hardiness:	Z8-9
Parts Used:	Leaves, oil
Properties:	An aromatic herb
Culinary Uses:	Sprigs are added to rice, vegetables, and egg dishes to give a mild curry flavor; best cooked briefly.
Economic Uses:	Oil and extract are use to enhance fruit flavors in food and drink industries.
Bibliography:	The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp. 232-233