Feverfew
tanacetum parthenium
Also known as: ["Chrysanthemum parthenium","Bachelor's Button"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant known for its daisy-like flowers and medicinal properties, particularly for treating migraines and fevers.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Tanacetum |
| Botanical Name: | Tanacetum parthenium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging; ensure excess water can escape freely.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but performs best with good fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly during the growing season; perform a light shaping prune in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or rejuvenate old plants.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun by providing afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from scorching by providing shade during peak hours; for indoor placement, use a south-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; monitor for signs of sunburn or etiolation.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0); adaptable to a range of soil conditions.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay soils with organic matter; test soil pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights; avoid extreme heat or frost.
Avoid placing near heat sources or drafty windows; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing before winter dormancy; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch stem cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not in full bloom.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70°F (21°C) and high humidity until roots develop.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates, especially for woody stems.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 8–12 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching; cut spent flower stems just above a leaf node or pair of leaves.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Tools
Sharp pruning shears or scissors, clean gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; deadhead regularly; shape as needed; avoid pruning in late fall.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current pot.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing overcrowding.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; avoid waterlogging by ensuring excess drains away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand to improve drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; leaf scorch in intense sunlight.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback; prolonged cold may lead to root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; ensure good soil drainage to prevent waterlogging; move potted plants indoors during freezes.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; heat stress may lead to premature senescence.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency during heatwaves; use mulch to retain soil moisture and cool roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid late-season feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent tender growth susceptible to frost.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest feverfew in large amounts. The plant is not highly toxic to cats but can cause discomfort if consumed excessively.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest large amounts of feverfew. The plant is not highly toxic to dogs but can cause discomfort if consumed in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicTanacetum parthenium, commonly known as feverfew, contains parthenolide, which can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is generally considered safe for culinary and medicinal use in moderation but can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Feverfew safe for pets?
A: Feverfew is mildly toxic to dogs and cats, so it should be used with caution around pets.
Q: How do I grow Feverfew?
A: Feverfew thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and moderate watering.
Q: What are the medicinal uses of Feverfew?
A: Feverfew is traditionally used to treat migraines, fevers, and arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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