This plant is a controversial addition to the list of Helichrysum italicum subspecies, as reputable sites list the plant’s status as a verified subspecies as ‘unresolved’  or even ‘doubtful.’  This plant is found growing only in specific areas of Italy including Argentario, Gargono, and Mount Conero. 

While Helichrysum italicum is often favored by essential oil connoisseurs, there are a number of other helichrysum species that are used to produce the prized essential oil and absolute, including Helichrysum odoratissimum, Helichrysum gymnocephalum, and Helichrysum stoechas. Many of the oils becoming more prevalent in the helichrysum oil industry are hailing from Africa’s plethora of species, and tend to contain a higher content of the chemical component 1,8-cineole than their Mediterranean counterparts. Because of this, these oils are better suited for treating wounds, allergies, congestion, colds, and other respiratory infections.  Many of these oils are produced in limited quantities, and thus can be rare find as a single essential oil and are found more commonly in helichrysum blends.