Wild Quinine
Also known as wild feverfew, wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium) has a long history of medicinal use by Native Americans and the US Army. During World War I, wild quinine was used as a substitute for the bark of the Cinchona tree—as the active ingredient of quinine used to treat malaria.
The plant seems to have no trouble with heat—blooming June through September in hot, sunny locations. While the plant is not especially showy, the tiny white clusters of flowers attract nearly every walk of life. The plant is especially valuable for its support of native bees, attracting sweat bees (Halictus, Lassioglossum, and Agapostemon), mining bees (Andrena), small carpenter bees (Ceratina) and yellow-faced bees (Hylaeus) just to name a few.
Wild quinine is a fly favorite, attracting soldier flies (Stratiomys and Odontomyia), Syrphid flies (Syrphidae), Tachnid flies (Tachnidae), and others. Far from the common housefly, these flies are both pollinators and predators. In their larval form, many of these flies are valuable pest-eating insects.
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Parthenium integrifolium, commonly called American feverfew, is a clump-forming, Missouri native perennial which occurs in dry soils on prairies, glades and rocky woods. Grows 3-4′ tall. Woolly-looking, white flower heads, each with 5 tiny ray flowers (1/12″ long), appear in broad, flat-topped, terminal corymbs from late spring to late summer. Leaves are aromatic, toothed and rough. Long-petioled basal leaves are much larger than stem leaves. Since the leaves of this species are in fact coarsely toothed, it remains an enigma as to why the plant was assigned the species name of integrifolium which means entire (i.e., margins lack lobes or teeth). Plant is also sometimes commonly called wild quinine. Former medicinal use as a diuretic.
Genus name comes from the Greek meaning virgin (only ray flowers are fertile).
Specific epithet means with an entire or uncut leaves but this species is coarsely toothed.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Garden Uses
Best in native plant, wild or cottage gardens or as part of a naturalized, meadow or prairie planting. Can be used in borders, but is minimally ornamental.
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