FeverFew
Common name: Feverfew
Scientific name: Matricaria parthenoides
Family: Compositae
Uses: Medicinal, decorative.Use for drying, place in herb and flower arrangements. A yellow dye can be made from the leaves and stems. Dried schets deter moths. Feverfew is said to have medicinal properties. It can be mixed into food to hide bitter flavors.
History: Also known as Chrysanthemum Parthenium and Tanacetum Parthenium. Feverfew comes from the Latin fetrifugia meaning "driver out of fevers".
Description: Feverfew is many branched with finely furrowed stems. The daisy-like flowers are borne in tight flat clusters. Leaves are strongly scented, hairless, alternate, yellowish-green and approximately 4 inches long. The lower leaves are bipinnate with egg-shaped leaflets while upper leaves are pinnate and toothed.
Plant type: Biennial
Hardiness: Hardiness zone 5-7.
Height: 2-3 feet
Width:
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: average, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.7
Pests: none noted
Disease: Usually free of disease
Cultivation: Divide roots in early spring, or take cuttings between October and May. Sow seeds indoors Feb. - March and transplant 9-12" apart in June or two weeks after last frost.
Companion planting: Do not place among other flowering plants that require pollination because it repels bees.
Propagation: Cuttings, divisions, or seed (self seeds).
Flowering period: Midsummer - fall
Flower color: white with yellow centers
Harvesting: Pick leaves and flowers anytime.
Garden notes:
