Family: Aster (Asteraceae)
Hardy to Zones 7 to 12, otherwise grown as a potted plant, brought in for the winter
(Curry Plant, Helichrysum italicum, Immortelle, Imortelle, Helichrysum angustifolium) Perennial, drought tolerant woody subshrub native to the Mediterranean basin. Flowers yellow on upright, dusty gray foliage. Grows to about 2 feet. Highly aromatic plant resembles the aroma of curry–used sparingly as a culinary spice. More significantly, this is the verified and primary source of a rather famous, expensive and uplifting essential oil widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy. Traditional usage (TWM): antiinflammatory, muscle soreness, bruises and swellings, acne, psoriasis, burns, abrasions and wounds. Plant prefers full sun and dryish, fast-draining soils. In the spring, sow small seed on surface of potting soil, press in hard, keep evenly moist and in the light until germination, which takes 10 to 20 days. Work up seedlings in successively larger pots until they are robust enough to withstand the rigors of the landscape. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart.