American Feverfew

There are 15 aromatic perennials and shrubs, in this genus, which occurs in tropical and subtropical America and the West Indies. The best known species is guayule (P. argentatum), which contains 20 percent rubber, and was cultivated for emergency supplies in the USA during World War II. Parthenium integrifolium (wild quinine, prarie dock) is little used medicinally today but is notorious as an adulterant fo Echinaceae roots. German research into Echinaceae angustifolia (See, Purple Coneflower) found that some samples contained 80 percent prarie dock roots. THe leaves of prairie dock were placed on burns by the Catawba Indians, and wild wormwood or bastard feverfew (P. hysterophorum) was used by black Americans to heal ulcers on legs.

Perennial with upright stems and lanceolate-elliptic to broadly ovate leaves, to 20cm (8in) long. Tiny off-white flowers are produced in small, dense, cauliflower-like heads, to 1cm (3/8in) across, in summer, with several heads borne in a flat-topped corymb.


Common Name:
American Feverfew
Other Names:
Prarie dock, Wild Quinine, Missouri snakeroot
Botanical Name:
Parthenium integrifolium
Genus:
Parthenium
Family:
Asteraceae
Native Location:
E USA
Cultivation:
Moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe; by division in spring
Harvest:
Leaves are picked during the growing season, and used fresh or dried in infusions.
Height:
45-90cm (18-36in)
Width:
30cm (12in)
Hardiness:
Z3
Parts Used:
Leaves, roots
Properties:
An aromatic, anti-inflammatory herb that lowers fever and stimulates the uterus. Research shows immune stimulating effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for urinary and kidney inflammations, and amenorrhea; also as a substitute for quinine in lowering fever. Externally for burns and ulcers (leaves).
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 302-303