Pale Maids Tanacetum parthenium

Feverfew is a mounding aromatic herbaceous perennial. The flowers are clusters of white florets with a central yellow disc. They make wonderful cut flowers since the flowerheads are long-lasting. They may also be dried and used in dried floral arrangements. They bloom from June to September. They grow in clumping mounds, erect, and about 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. This species is self-seeding and may become aggressive in optimum conditions. Feverfew is a member of the Asteraceae or Aster family. Other common names include Bachelor's Buttons, Maids, Manzanilla, and Wild Chamomile. There are several cultivars.

The plant is native to southeastern Europe, Central Asia, and West Himalayas. The genus name, Tanacetum, is derived from the Greek word, "Athanasia," which means "immortal." The species name, parthenium, is about the Greek Parthenon. Reportedly, this plant was used medicinally in the 5th century to treat a construction worker who fell while working on the Parthenon. 

Feverfew prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist soils. They are tolerant of all pH levels and will grow in sandy, loamy, or high organic matter.  It is best to deadhead or shear off spent blooms immediately to control self-seeding.

The leaves are green, fern-like, and have a strong scent. Depending on the cultivar, the flowers are daisy-like to rounded balls and are arranged in corymbs. The outer petal rays are white to creamy colored with a button-like yellow center.

Feverfew attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. They are drought tolerant and deer resistant.

The plant may be used in naturalized areas, meadows, cutting gardens, cottage gardens, or rock gardens.  Consider Feverfew for a patio area or as a container plant. In the past, the English planted Feverfew around their home for the spicy scent and to purify the air.   

Quick ID Hints:

• The foliage is green, feathery, fern-like, and pinnately lobed with hairy undersides
• The flowers are open daisy-like to rounded balls, white to creamy colored petals with a yellow center disc
• The stems are erect, branched, pubescent distally, and glabrous proximally

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

There are no serious diseases or pest problems. Please monitor for spider mites. They are intolerant to the hot and humid climate of the southern United States.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.