Parthenium integrifolium
Wild Quinine,American Feverfew
DESCRIPTION
Wild Quinine,American FeverfewParthenium integrifolium
Unique flowers are quite showy, resembling small white pearls from a distance. They flower from May to August providing nectar and pollen for beneficial insects. Flowers sit on stems 3' above the coarse dark green foliage that remain close to the ground to provide great cover.
BENEFITS
Some shade is tolerated and soil may vary from moist to dryAttracts beneficial insects
Flowers are attractive in a prairie garden
Deer and rabbits tend to leave this plant alone
Easy to grow and maintain
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Moist meadows and swamps from Maine west to North Dakota and south to Oklahoma and Georgia.
Interesting Facts
Wild quinine is also commonly called American Feverfew due to its widespread use in past generations. These plants were once used by Native Americans medicinally to reduce fevers and as a diuretic. Wild quinine was also used as a substitute for the bark of the Cinchona tree during World War I, in an attempt to maintain the supply of quinine to treat malaria.
GROWING TIPS
The preference is full sun and mesic conditions. However, a small amount of shade is tolerated, and the soil can vary from moist to slightly dry.