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Feverfew

Asteraceae

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Tanacetum parthenium

Easy ☀️ Bright indirect ⚠️ Toxic to pets

A hardy, easy-to-grow plant that thrives in full sun with well-draining soil and a slightly acidic pH. Water every 5 days, avoiding waterlogging. Tolerates light frost. Deadhead or trim after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

💧 Watering

Every 5 days

☀️ Light

Bright indirect

🌡️ Temperature

-15° - 30°C

💨 Humidity

40% - 70%

Categories

What is Feverfew?

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a easy-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an aromatic perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Asia Minor and naturalized across Europe. It produces white daisy-like flowers with a yellow center throughout summer and is widely grown for medicinal and ornamental purposes.

Feverfew grows up to 60cm, with spread of 30cm, watering every 5 days, -15°C – 30°C, 40–70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.

Unlike many tropical plants, Feverfew tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.

How to Care for Feverfew?

TLDR: Feverfew needs Bright indirect, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between -15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.

💧

How Often Should You Water Feverfew?

Water every 5 days, allowing the soil to dry partially between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions as it is susceptible to root rot.

☀️

How Much Light Does Feverfew Need?

Prefers full sun (30,000–80,000 lux). Tolerates partial shade but blooms best with direct sun exposure for most of the day.

🪴

What Is the Best Soil for Feverfew?

Use well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–6.7. Amend with sand or perlite to improve drainage if needed.

Care Schedule

🌱

Fertilize

Every 30 days

💦

Misting

Every 3 days

🔄

Rotate

Every 7 days

🪴

Repot

Every 365 days

What Is Feverfew and Where Does It Come From?

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an aromatic perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Asia Minor and naturalized across Europe. It produces white daisy-like flowers with a yellow center throughout summer and is widely grown for medicinal and ornamental purposes.

How Big Does Feverfew Grow?

TLDR: Feverfew can reach up to 60cm tall with Medium growth rate.

📏

Max height

60cm

↔️

Spread

30cm

📈

Growth rate

Medium

🍃

Foliage

Deciduous

⚠️

Warning: Toxic Plant

This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:

🐱 Cats 🐶 Dogs 👶 Children

Plant Uses

🌺

Ornamental

Great for decoration

💊

Medicinal

Medicinal properties

👃

Aromatic

Pleasant fragrance

💊

Medicinal Uses

  • Traditionally used to treat migraines, fever, and arthritis. The active compound parthenolide has anti-inflammatory properties.

Is your plant showing symptoms?

Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:

What Diseases Commonly Affect Feverfew?

TLDR: Feverfew is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.

Aphids

Medium

Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.

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Spider Mites

High

Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.

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Root Rot

High

Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.

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Powdery Mildew

Medium

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.

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Fun Facts

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The name "Feverfew" derives from the Latin "febrifugia", meaning "fever reducer".

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Clinical studies suggest regular consumption may reduce migraine frequency.

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Its miniature daisy-like flowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies.

Frequently asked questions

Is Feverfew toxic?
Yes, it contains parthenolide which can cause skin sensitization with prolonged contact and gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. It is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
Can I grow Feverfew in a pot?
Yes, as long as the pot has good drainage and the substrate is well-draining. It prefers a sunny location.

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Sources & References

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