Tanacetum parthenium aka Feverfew

Taxonomy

Tanacetum parthenium, also known as feverfew, is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It can be grown as an ornament and is sometimes referred to as Chrysanthemum parthenium or Pyrethrum parthenium. This short-lived, bushy perennial has pungently aromatic, ovate, pinnately lobed leaves and produces sprays of small, double, white, pompom flowers during the summer. Feverfew is a traditional medicinal herb used to prevent migraine headaches. It is a weedy, aromatic, herbaceous perennial that is native to the Balkans and Caucasus but has naturalized in Europe and North America. This clump-forming plant reaches heights of 1-3 feet and blooms from June to September with small, daisy-like flowers featuring white petals and yellow center disks. The deeply cut or parted leaves are strongly scented, toothed, and slightly hairy below. In addition to its use in preventing migraines, feverfew has historically been used to treat toothaches, arthritis, headaches, and fevers.

Common names

Feverfew, Common Feverfew, Feather Leaved Tansy

How to care for Feverfew

Difficulty

Feverfew presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Feverfew should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Feverfew loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Feverfew thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Feather Leaved Tansy.

Toxicity

Feverfew is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

Once the Feverfew has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Feverfew displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

Region of origin

Feverfew’s native range is S.E. Europe to Asia. Naturalized in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia