Golden Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium 'Aureum'): Chartreuse Foliage for Bright Shade Gardens

Botanical Profile

Family: Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Tanacetum (TAN-uh-SEE-tum)
Species: parthenium (par-THEN-ee-um)
Cultivar: 'Aureum'
Synonyms: Chrysanthemum parthenium, Pyrethrum parthenium

Description

Golden feverfew is a compact, mound-forming perennial prized for its luminous, chartreuse-yellow, deeply lobed foliage that brightens shaded areas. The leaves are aromatic when crushed. In summer, it produces small, white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers on stems 12–18 inches tall. The golden foliage color is most intense in spring and partial shade; it greens up in full sun or hot weather.

Cultivation

Grows best in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates full sun in cooler climates with adequate moisture. Hardy in zones 4–9. Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh golden growth. Self-seeds moderately; seedlings may revert to green. Remove green reversions to maintain cultivar purity.

Garden Uses

Excellent for illuminating woodland edges, shade borders, and underplanting shrubs. Combines beautifully with hostas, ferns, purple heucheras, and blue hostas. The flowers attract beneficial insects. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Traditional Background

Feverfew has a long history as a medicinal herb for fevers, headaches (especially migraines), and arthritis. The 'Aureum' cultivar retains these properties but is primarily grown for ornamental foliage.