Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a wonderful perennial herb that can be used medicinally or as a cut flower. The plant grows into a small bush with masses of daisy-like flowers, slightly citrus scented.
The word “feverfew” derives from the Latin word febrifugia, meaning “fever reducer,” though herbalists no longer consider it useful for that purpose. Today feverfew is used to treat migraines, and as an antispasmodic. The leaves can be chewed fresh or dried and used later.
Seeds can be started indoors or sown directly in the ground. Feverfew should be planted in full sun or part sun, 15–18 in apart. It grows up to 61 cm (24 in) tall, and is hardy to USDA zone 5. Cut plants back to the ground in the autumn, and give them an annual dose of mulch optimum results. Feverfew tends to self seed, giving you baby plants to give to friends or spread around your landscape.
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