How to Grow and Care for Feverfews

Parthenium hysterophorus or santa Maria feverfew is also called famine weed. It is an invasive weed that can disrupt the health of crops, pasture, livestock, and humans. A substance in the plant, called parthenin, is highly toxic and can cause dermatitis and breathing difficulties in humans and animals.

Wild quinine, Eastern Feverfew, or Parthenium integrifolium, is a perennial herb that grows easily in prairies, meadows, and disturbed areas. It blooms longer than most perennials, and will grow in part shade to full sun and average, well-draining soil.

Mariola (Parthenium incanum) is a small, many-branched shrub from the desert regions of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Its tiny flowerheads form compact white balls in spring and summer.

Gray's feverfew is a hardy perennial with a bushy habit and small, clustered white flowers. It typically thrives in arid conditions, showcasing its drought-resilient nature through silvery-green foliage. The plant's compact flower heads are distinctive, and its deep roots allow it to access water in dry soils, making it well-adapted to survive in challenging environments.

Wild quinine is recognized by its robust, low-growing habit and distinctive lobed leaves with soft, hairy surfaces. The pale yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom at the leaf axils, often attracting a variety of pollinators. This resilient herb thrives in arid conditions, leveraging its drought-tolerant nature to flourish in rugged terrains where other plants might struggle.