Cephalophora aromatica: the Strawberry Herb for Garden and Kitchen

This article was prepared with the support of UFL flower delivery. Cephalophora aromatica (now classified as Helenium aromaticum) is an annual of the daisy family native to Chile and Argentina. In Ukraine it is called the strawberry herb: its leaves and stems smell of strawberry, pineapple and caramel when crushed, and the dried plant keeps its fragrance for years.

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What cephalophora looks like

It forms a spreading bush 40–60 cm tall with narrow dark green leaves. Bright yellow, globe-shaped flower heads about 1.5 cm across open at the tips of thin stems; they consist of many tiny tubular florets and resemble honeycomb. Cephalophora starts flowering about 80–90 days after germination, usually in July, and keeps going until the autumn frosts.

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Growing and care

1. Sowing. Sow indoors in March–April, 0.5 cm deep. At 18–22 °C seedlings appear in 7–10 days; cooler temperatures slow germination.
2. Planting out. Plant out after the frosts, in mid-May, 25–30 cm apart. You can also sow directly outdoors in May, but flowering will start later.
3. Position. Sunny, with light, fertile soil. In shade the plant stretches and flowers poorly.
4. Care. Water moderately in dry spells, weed and loosen the soil. Feeding is usually unnecessary; rich soil weakens the scent.

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Harvesting and drying

Cut stems with open yellow flower heads in dry weather, tie them in bunches and hang them upside down to dry in the shade. When the stems snap easily, they are ready. Store them in paper bags or glass jars; the scent lasts for several years.

How to use cephalophora

• Sachets and air fresheners. Dried stems are placed in wardrobes, linen bags and cars, where their gentle fruity scent lasts a long time.
• Cooking. In some countries the leaves are used to flavour baking, stewed fruit and tea. As a member of the Helenium genus it contains bitter compounds, so use only tiny amounts, and avoid it during pregnancy, with an allergy to the daisy family and for children.
• Bouquets. The yellow buttons look lovely in wildflower and dried bouquets with daisies, cornflowers, lavender and grasses.

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FAQ

What does cephalophora smell like?

Most people describe it as a mix of strawberry, pineapple and caramel. The scent becomes even stronger after drying.

Can I grow cephalophora in a pot?

Yes, on a sunny balcony in a container of at least 3 litres.

Should I save the seeds?

Yes. Leave a few flower heads to ripen and dry fully, then shake out the seeds and store them in a paper bag.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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