Modern research supports some of elecampane’s longtime uses for respiratory distress — asthma and laryngitis — and as an expectorant. And, common names such as horseheal attest to its use by veterinarians.

A perennial that reaches 6 feet (2 m), elecampane’s bright yellow, 3- to 4-inch ( 8- to 10-cm) daisylike flowers have narrow petals, and while few at a time, they keep coming from late spring until frost. The leaves are rough on top with soft fuzz on the underside.

Elecampane is at home in damp, partly shady places and is hardy through Zone 3. It’s most easily propagated from 2-inch (5-cm) pieces of root — make sure that each piece has a bud, or eye — harvested in the fall of the plant’s second year.

Plant the pieces in containers of damp sand and overwinter them in a cool room, about 50°F (10°C); set the sprouted roots out in spring (after danger of frost) in organically rich, moist, well-draining soil. Space plants at least 2 feet (61 cm) apart, and don’t let the soil dry out.

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