British yellowhead (Inula britannica)

British yellowhead

Also known as: Meadow inula, British elecampane

British yellowhead is unlike others in its genus, with fine hairs unlike the "wooley cost" most have. It's considered an invasive species with no natural enemies. It is known to invest nursery crops, specifically hostas. Once established, it's difficult to remove from the host plant of which it deprives valuable soil nutrients, making it a threat to plant ecosystems.

Scientific classification

Species

British yellowhead (Inula britannica)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

23 cm to 60 cm

Spread

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Yellow

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of British yellowhead

Distribution of British yellowhead

Distribution Map

British yellowhead is a plant species that is native to a wide region across Eurasia. Its natural range spans from the temperate to subtropical zones including parts of eastern and central Europe, the northern Mediterranean region, central Asia, and East Asia. The species has also been reported to grow in the northern regions of the Western Asia continent.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

river and stream banks, marshes, moist meadows, ditches, wet grassland, and wet woods.

Weed Control

The british yellowhead is an invasive weed mostly found in Europe and North America. It's not known to be toxic to humans and it has little impact on its surroundings. There have been cases of british yellowhead having an impact on Hosta fields however and it is known to spread quickly by hitchhiking.

How to Control It

Although not generally fast-spreading or a threat to the environment it lives in, there have been cases where british yellowhead has had an impact on commercially grown Hosta fields as it can impact their growth. The easiest and safest way to control british yellowhead when its a threat to Hostas is to use a weed killer.

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Care Guide for British yellowhead

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: British yellowhead thrives in moist environments near water bodies and prefers consistent moisture with moderate drought tolerance. Weekly watering maintains hydration. As an herbaceous perennial, it is often grown outdoors, benefiting from natural rainfall during the growing season.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, british yellowhead benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, adjusting to monthly in winter. Use 1/4 to 1/2 dose for potted plants to prevent root burn, ensuring soil is moist. Wear gloves and avoid over-fertilization.

Pruning: British yellowhead is a herbaceous perennial with vibrant yellow flowers. Prune in early to late spring to remove dead stems and improve growth. Post-bloom, cut flower stems back to the base for shape retention. Use sharp tools for clean cuts, considering local climate for optimal timing.

Propagation: British yellowhead is a hardy perennial, easily propagated by dividing healthy clumps into smaller sections with roots and shoots. Plant divisions in prepared soil or pots. With regular watering, they flourish, adding vibrant yellow flowers to the garden.

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Images of British yellowhead

Distribution of British yellowhead

Weed Control

Care Guide for British yellowhead

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