Parthenium integrifolium Play pronunciation

Wild Quinine is a flowering herbaceous perennial native to the eastern United States in the daisy family. It is a relatively small plant reaching 4 inches high at maturity with a spread of about 2 inches. This plant has a long bloom cycle with clusters of white flowers, similar to a head of cauliflower, that last from May through September. The leaves are aromatic, rough with tiny hairs, and toothed. In nature, the plant can be found growing in prairies, the margins of deciduous woods, fields, and rocky woods.The genus name comes from the Greek for "virgin", refering to the fertile ray florets and infertile disk florets. The species name means "with entire or uncut leaves".

Wild Quinine does best in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. It will tolerate some shade and poor soils, including clay and rocky sites. Established plants are easy to grow, but transplants can be problematic. Transplants can best succeed if put into the ground after hard frost ends, but before active growth begins in late spring. Wild Quinine is a hardy addition to the garden as it is tolerant of both hot and cold weather.

Wild Quinine is native to North Carolina and widespread in the state. The Catawba Indians and other tribes in the southeastern United States used wild quinine for medicinal and veterinary purposes. The leaves contain tannin, which is thought to be beneficial for treating burns. This plant can become weedy and may displace other vegetation if not properly managed.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.