Helichrysum italicum Curry Plant


		Normally a dusty gray, new flushes of growth, like those on the right, take on a greener appearance.

		Curry Plant looks very similar to a Lavender in its leaf stage. But, as the picture to the right shows, it looks totally different in bloom. Curry Plant likes it warm and dry. It is native to Turkey and thrives on sunny slopes. Related to the very popular dried Strawflower, Curry Plant proves once again that the useful plants in a genus don't usually inherit the beauty genes.
	It seems illustrators, and even some purveyors of Curry Plant oil, tend to confuse this Helichrysum with the Strawflower. We have found numerous photos of Strawflowers used to represent Curry Plant. Even in the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, (a great book for describing oils and their benefits), there is a photo of the right leaves but a drawing of the wrong flower. They even confuse the common names of Immortelle and Everlasting with Curry Plant. These names apply to the beautiful Strawflower but certainly don't describe the wispy H. italicum. Helichrysum oil has recently been reinvestigated as a medicinal herb. It is reputed to be good for bruises and varicose veins. But, you will probably have to make your own oil or infusion. There is very little oil commercially available which tends to make it a bit pricey. The Home Herbal is a great source for how to make almost any kind of medicinal preparation from your own herbs. With Curry Plant the million dollar question is, "What does it taste like?" Why do you think we gave you the medicinal value first? While not very tasty, Curry Plant smells strongly like Curry spices. But, Curry Plant is not where Curry Seasoning comes from. Curry is actually a blend of many different herbs. The herbs used in real Curry vary from region to region. When Curry Plant is mentioned with food, it is always used sparingly, a few leaves in a mayonnaise or a sprig tucked in a cavity of a chicken. The flavor is not Curry but is strong. It is also difficult to describe. However, trimming Curry Plant in the garden will leave you pleasantly reeking like an Indian restaurant the rest of the day. The Great Curries of India is valuable book for learning to cook with Curries. Curry Plant makes a great addition to our Zone 8 Fragrant Herb Garden.

Cultural Information

Height: 2 Feet

Hardiness: Perennial
in Zones 8-11

Flower Color: Yellow

Characteristics: Full Sun,
Water Conserving,
Evergreen

Uses: Culinary,
Dried Flower,
Fragrant Ornamental

Internet Specials

Receive Mountain Valley Views, our free email newsletter

When searching the web, we recommend GOOGLE.