Helenium

My horticultural education continues - this consists mostly of walking with Mum round her garden and asking the names of plants. This one, in a border by the front window, caught my eye today. It's a helenium - further research when I get home suggests that it's inula helenium, or elecampane.

The name 'helenium' supposedly derives from Helen of Troy; elecampane is said to have sprung up from where her tears fell. It was sacred to the ancient Celts, and once had the name "elfwort". It has various medicinal properties and in France and Switzerland it is used in the manufacture of absinthe.

Wonderful what you can find out from starting with a simple question!