Tanacetum parthenium, known as feverfew, is a flowering plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is a traditional medicinal herb that is used commonly to prevent migraine headaches. Occasionally, it is grown for ornament.
Tanacetum parthenium, commonly known as feverfew, is a weedy, bushy, aromatic, herbaceous perennial that is originally native to the Balkans and Caucasus, but has been introduced, escaped gardens and naturalized over time throughout the remaining parts of Europe and much of North America. This is a mounded, clump-forming species that typically grows to 1-3’ tall and features a lengthy summer bloom (June-September) of small, 3/4”, daisy-like flowers with white petals and button-like yellow center disks. Flowers are arranged in dense corymbs. Pinnately lobed leaves (to 2-3” long) are deeply cut or parted nearly to the midrib. Leaves are strongly scented, toothed and slightly hairy below. Species plants have been used in the past in the treatment of a variety of medical problems including toothache, arthritis, headaches and, of course, fever.
