Parthenium integrifolium (Wild Quinine)

Parthenium integrifolium, known as wild quinine or American feverfew, is a hardy, long-blooming, and deeply rooted perennial. It was historically used as a medicinal herb to treat fevers and dysentery, and was as a substitute for true quinine.

Wild quinine's uniquely domed clusters of flat-topped white flowers appear like pearls from a distance, and persist from early summer into fall, making it a long-blooming option for pollinator plantings. Seed heads often stay upright for the entire cold season, and have potential as components in dried flower arrangements. The large leaves are tough and high in tannins, thus unpalatable to deer and other herbivores.

While not overtly flashy, the nectar-rich flowers support a variety of insects, including small native bees (in particular sweat bees), small butterflies and moths, and beneficial flies, beetles, and wasps. It's also resistant to drought once established due to its deep taproots, and tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils where other many other plants may struggle. Though it grows perfectly well in average moisture loamy garden soils that are well draining, and even tolerates part sun.

Wild quinine's durable presence, unique appearance for a perennial, strong upright habit, multi-season interest, and reliable blooming make it an anchor in wildflower meadows and low-maintenance landscapes. Consider pairing it with finer textured species that contrast well with its broad foliage, such as Liatris (blazing stars), Asclepias tuberosa, and native grasses such as Andropogon (blue stems).

Grower's Note: This species is deeply tap-rooted and should not be relocated 1 year following establishment.