Feverfew

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Feverfew is a hardy, aromatic perennial herb known for its medicinal properties, especially its use in treating headaches and migraines. With its small, daisy-like flowers and fern-like foliage, feverfew is a lovely addition to herb gardens and medicinal plantings. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, making it a versatile choice for permaculture designs, herbaceous borders, or as a companion plant in vegetable gardens.

Key Characteristics:

• Medicinal herb for headaches and migraines: Feverfew is well-known for its traditional use in treating headaches, particularly migraines. The leaves contain parthenolide, a compound that helps reduce inflammation and prevent the dilation of blood vessels in the brain. It is typically used as a tea or tincture, though some people chew the fresh leaves.

• Anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing properties: Besides its use for migraines, feverfew is also valued for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It has been traditionally used to reduce fevers, ease joint pain, and alleviate general inflammation. This makes it a valuable addition to a medicinal herb garden.

• Incorporation in permaculture and companion planting: Feverfew is a great companion plant in permaculture systems, as it can repel harmful insects like aphids while attracting beneficial pollinators. Its aromatic leaves can deter pests, making it useful in integrated pest management, especially in vegetable gardens.

• Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant herb: Once established, feverfew requires little care. It thrives in well-drained soils with full sun and tolerates drought, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and sustainable garden designs. Its vigorous growth can fill gaps in garden borders or herb gardens.

• Ecological and wildlife benefits: Feverfew’s small, daisy-like flowers are attractive to pollinators, including bees and hoverflies. It can help boost pollinator populations while contributing to the overall health of a diverse ecosystem in your garden.

Product Details:

• Native Range: Europe and Western Asia
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, medium-dry to medium moisture
• Mature Height: 1-3 feet
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Bloom Color: White with yellow centers
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Feverfew offers medicinal benefits and a pest-repelling function, making it a must-have for herb gardens, permaculture designs, and low-maintenance landscapes.

Caution: This plant can become invasive, spreading easily from seed.