Wild Quinine (Parthenium Integrifolium)

Wild Quinine

Features and Characteristics

Parthenium integrifolium, commonly called American feverfew or wild quinine, is a clump-forming, Missouri native perennial which occurs in dry soils on prairies, glades and rocky woods. Grows 3-4′ tall. Woolly-looking, white flower heads, each with 5 tiny ray flowers (1/12″ long), appear in broad, flat-topped, terminal corymbs from late spring to late summer. Leaves are glandular and aromatic with a rough texture to both surfaces. The leaf margins are toothed and mostly entire, although some may exhibit coarse lobes at the base. Long-petioled basal leaves are much larger than cauline leaves (leaves on the stem).

The genus name Parthenium comes from the Greek meaning “virgin”, in reference to the fertile ray florets and infertile disk florets of species in this genus.

The specific epithet integrifolium means “with entire or uncut leaves”.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun.

Wild Quinine (Parthenium Integrifolium) Requirements

Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Best in native plant, wild or cottage gardens or as part of a naturalized, meadow or prairie planting. Can be used in borders, but is minimally ornamental.

Wild Quinine (Parthenium Integrifolium) Details

Common name	Wild Quinine
Botanical name	Parthenium Integrifolium
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Asteraceae
Hardiness zone	4 - 8
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	White
Flowering period	May - August
Height	2 - 4 Ft.
Width	1 - 2 Ft.