Tanacetum Parthenium

Description

Tanacetum Parthenium, commonly known as feverfew, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Balkans and can grow up to 60 cm in height. The plant has a bushy appearance with green foliage and clusters of small, daisy-like flowers that bloom from early summer to fall. The flowers have a yellow center and white petals that are about 1-2 cm in diameter. The leaves of the feverfew plant are aromatic and have a bitter taste.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Tanacetum

Appearance

The feverfew plant has green, lobed leaves that are about 5-10 cm long. The leaves are arranged in a rosette at the base of the stem and are hairy on the underside. The plant produces clusters of small, daisy-like flowers that are about 1-2 cm in diameter. The flowers have a yellow center and white petals that are slightly curved. The stems of the plant are hairy and can grow up to 60 cm in height. The plant blooms from early summer to fall.

Care Guide

Water: Feverfew plants prefer well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil in the spring before new growth appears. Repeat every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.

Soil: Feverfew plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH level between 6.0-6.5.

Sunlight: Feverfew plants prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and the flowers to become sparse.

Hardiness Zones: Feverfew plants are hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Feverfew plants are relatively pest and disease resistant. However, they can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these pests and diseases, keep the plant well-watered, fertilized, and properly pruned.

Habitat

Feverfew plants are native to the Balkans and are commonly grown in gardens and as a medicinal herb. They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can be grown as an annual in colder climates.

Question and Answer

Q: Can feverfew be grown in containers?

A: Yes, feverfew can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is kept consistently moist.

Q: Is feverfew easy to grow?

A: Yes, feverfew is relatively easy to grow and is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much attention.

Q: Can feverfew be used as a medicinal herb?

A: Yes, feverfew has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb to treat headaches, fever, arthritis, and other ailments.

Q: Can feverfew be propagated from cuttings?

A: Yes, feverfew can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.

Related Plants

• Tanacetum cinerariifolium
• Tanacetum vulgare
• Tanacetum parthenium ‘Aureum’
• Tanacetum densum

References

• “Tanacetum Parthenium.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a655.
• “Feverfew.” Old Farmer’s Almanac, www.almanac.com/plant/feverfew.
• “Tanacetum Parthenium.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/57994/Tanacetum-parthenium/Details.