Inula japonica, commonly known as Japanese inula, is a perennial herb that is native to grasslands, open woodlands, and along stream banks in East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. It typically grows to a height of up to 3 feet tall and can spread to a similar width. Japanese inula has a clumping form with lance-shaped leaves and produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with prominent yellow centers during the summer months. The flowers are quite showy and can be a focal point in the garden when in bloom.

Japanese inula is valued for its vibrant flowers which are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, making it a beneficial addition to wildlife gardens. It is also recognized for its medicinal properties, traditionally used in herbal medicine for various ailments. In cultivation, it is often used in borders, wildflower gardens, or as part of a naturalistic planting scheme. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade, and while it prefers moist, well-drained soils, it is relatively adaptable to different soil types. It is generally easy to maintain, but gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread, which may require periodic division or control measures to keep it within bounds.CC BY-SA 4.0