Tanacetum parthenium: Feverfew with Daisy-Like Blooms and Medicinal History

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a short-lived, bushy perennial naturalized in much of North America. Fragrant, ferny foliage and composite white flowers with yellow centers appear over a long summer period. Often grown as an annual. 'Aureum' has dwarf habit, smaller flowers, golden aromatic foliage. Other cultivars have double, yellow, or pompom-like flowers. Historically used for toothache, arthritis, headaches, and fever. Foliage may aggravate skin allergies.

Growing Conditions

Tolerates most any soil except wet and heavy; prefers well-drained, sandy soil in full sun. Propagate by sowing seed at 50–55°F in late winter/early spring, division in spring, or softwood cuttings in early summer. Self-seeds prolifically. Watch for aphids, chrysanthemum nematode, leaf miners.

Key Features at a Glance

• Height: 1–3 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Growth Pace: Moderate
• Light: Full Sun
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Characteristics: Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Showy Foliage
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Flower Color: White, Yellow
• Uses: Beds, Borders, Herb Garden, Annual, Cottage Garden
• Type: Perennials