Feverfew
Matricaria parthenium |
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 Feverfew is a pretty daisy-like flower, that grows wild in many areas. The flowers are small but enjoyed by bees. The foliage has a slightly fetid aroma, but this is more than compensated by the plants medicinal value. Feverfew has been used medicinally since the time of the Romans and before, to cure everything from fevers to ague. Today it is primarily prescribed for headaches and migraine. Feverfew will bloom continuously summerlong, although you may want to shear off spent blossoms to encourage the blooming process. A sturdy old-fashioned plant with a long and useful past.
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| Vital Statistics |
| Type: |
Perennial |
Water: |
moderate |
| Zone: |
3-9 |
Sun: |
full sun to part shade |
| Height: |
1-2 feet |
Soil: |
ordinary, well drained |
| Starting: |
Easily started from seed in spring, or by division in the Fall. Blooms the same year in most cases. |
Growing: |
Once established, feverfew will grow happily without care, blooming all summer long. |
| Etymology: matricaria = from Greek meaning 'decaying mother' for its role in curing women of childbed infections; parthenium = 'chrysanthemum' meaning 'golden flowered' |
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