Tanacetum parthenium Seeds | Feverfew
LATIN NAME: Tanacetum parthenium
COMMON NAME: Feverfew
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a fine, generous herb in the sunflower family, native to southeast Europe. Feverfew is fresh, fern-leaved, old-fashioned herb of cool gardens, and its masses of small, white, daisy-like flowers have made it a familiar of borders and herb beds for a very long time. Finely divided, feathery, aromatic leaves form a bushy, low plant, and small, white flowers with yellow centres cover it through the summer. Plant has a long and careful record in old practice, and it is a cheerful, easy, self-sowing plant of sunny garden. All of this makes Feverfew a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the sunflower family, Tanacetum parthenium is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Feverfew has a well-documented place in plant science, and aromatic compounds in leaves and flowers have been studied for a long time for their place in traditional practice. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Feverfew has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Feverfew is grown for pretty, daisy-like flowers and long record of use. Aromatic leaves and flowers have a traditional place in old practice, and plant is a cheerful, easy, self-sowing addition to border, herb bed and the path. Small, white flowers pull in bees and hoverflies through a long summer, and feathery leaves give plant a fine, fresh look. In later seasons it demands little more than an appreciative eye.
Tansy and feverfew are storied herbs: feverfew leaf has human-trial support for migraine prevention, while tansy is a strong insect-repelling strewing herb too toxic for internal use; pyrethrum, their cousin, yields the natural insecticide.
Growing from Seed
Feverfew grows readily from seed. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Feverfew repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
If Feverfew appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: