Feverfew Has Many Benefits

Feverfew Has Many Benefits Feverfew, a Victorian garden staple, has found a home in medicine cabinets for centuries. It’s related to the chrysanthemum and goes by many names, including bachelor’s buttons, featherfew, midsummer daisy and bride’s button. With small, daisy-like white flowers on ferny foliage, cut flower enthusiasts love using feverfew both fresh and dried. Originally native to southeastern Europe, feverfew now grows across Europe, North America and Australia. It’s a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial throughout USDA zones 5 to 8 and beloved by insects, especially bees. Deer leave it alone, which may be due to the plant’s distinct bitter odor, which some compare to citrus. Feverfew has shown scientific evidence for improving a range of health conditions, including headaches, arthritis and labor complications. Almost every part of the plant can be used, except for its roots. Applied topically, feverfew can provide relief from itching. Most health benefits are associated with the compound parthenolide, which seems to reduce inflammation and potentially restrict cancer cell growth. But, despite its name, the plant’s not ideal for treating fevers. Sow feverfew seeds outdoors either in late fall or up to six weeks before the expected last frost. For indoor planting, aim for ten weeks before the frost date. Sprouts should emerge within 15 days. Light helps germination, so gently press the seeds into the soil’s surface. Feverfew thrives in full sun. While loamy soil is best, the plants aren’t fussy. It blooms from July through October in most growing zones, with regular deadheading. It’s an avid reseeder, nearly invasive in the right environment, so give feverfew plenty of space to spread out.

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