| Botanical Name: |
| Chrysanthemum parthenium / Tanacetum parthenium |
| Common names: |
| also sold as Matricaria eximia |
| Description: |
| Feverfew is a lovely perennial herb that has white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and soft, light green serrated leaves. Plants grow from 9 to 24 inches high and produce single or double flowers for most of the summer and early fall. Feverfew is useful for planting between stones or pavers on walkways and paths. In addition to its attractive appearance, it possesses many significant medicinal properties. |
| Life Cycle: |
| perennial or tender annual |
| Exposure: |
| full sun to partial shade |
| Cultivation: |
| Feverfew will grow in almost any soil. It should be started from seeds sown directly in the ground in spring or from cuttings taken in the summer. Plans will self-sow and flowers should be removed as needed to focus energy on leaf production. Feverfew is considered a short-lived perennial, so plant in succession to maintain a supply of new plants. Let a few seed heads remain in the garden in early fall and you may get new seedlings the following spring. Feverfew also grows well in containers. |
| Propagation: |
| seeds, cuttings or division |
| Parts Used: |
| leaves |
| Harvesting and Storage: |
| cut fresh leaves for use as needed or dry and store in an airtight container. |
| Medicinal Uses: |
| headache tonic; relief from insect bites; calms nerves; soothes coughs and aids in breathing |
| Culinary Uses |
| none |
| Other Uses: |
| skin care, moth repellant, and plantings for walkways, edgings, beds and borders. |
