Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
Synonyms: Matricaria partheniifolia, Tanacetum kubense, Pyrethrum kubense, Tanacetum grossheimii, Leucanthemum odoratum, Chrysanthemum partheniifolium, Pyrethrum sevanense, Parthenium matricaria, Matricaria praealta, Leucanthemum parthenium var. flosculosum, Matricaria odorata, Leucanthemum parthenium, Pyrethrum parthenium, Tanacetum demetrii, Pyrethrum parthenium var. multiplex, Chrysanthemum parthenium, Pyrethrum divaricatum, Matricaria alba, Pyrethrum grossheimii, Matricaria parthenium, Pyrethrum parthenium eximium, Matricaria latifolia, Matricaria pulverulenta, Chamaemelum parthenium, Pontia matricaria, Tanacetum parthenium var. praealtum, Tanacetum persicum, Pyrethrum persicum, Pyrethrum eximium, Matricaria eximia, Matricaria florida, Pyrethrum demetrii, Pyrethrum partheniifolium aureum, Pyrethrum praealtum, Chrysanthemum partheniifolium f. sanguineum, Tanacetum partheniifolium, Matricaria vulgaris, Pyrethrum latilobum, Pyrethrum glanduliferum, Pyrethrum partheniifolium, Chrysanthemum persicum, Pyrethrum partheniifolium var. latilobum, Tanacetum glanduliferum, Chrysanthemum praealtum, Pyrethrum buschianum, Tanacetum sevanense, Chrysanthemum parthenium var. discoideum, Pyrethrum partheniifolium f. divaricatum, Pyrethrum niveum var. divaricatum, Dendranthema parthenium, Pyrethrum fruticosum
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) is an aromatic herbaceous perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae), forming a small bushy plant up to about 70 cm tall from a fibrous rootstock. The erect, branching, longitudinally grooved stems bear alternate, light yellowish-green, pinnately to bipinnately divided leaves with bluntly toothed lobes that release a strong pungent scent when bruised. From midsummer to early autumn it produces numerous daisy-like flower heads about 12–22 mm across in loose flat-topped corymbs; each head has a single ring of short white ray florets surrounding a flattish disc of yellow tubular florets. The fruit is a small ribbed achene that spreads readily by seed, allowing the plant to self-sow vigorously. Native to the Balkan Peninsula, Anatolia, and the Caucasus and naturalised across Europe, North America, and beyond, feverfew typically grows on stony slopes, walls, waste ground, and dry river beds, and is widely cultivated as both an ornamental and a medicinal herb.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
Documented Native American uses include:
Cherokee: Used as an orthopedic aid (Hamel & Chiltoskey, 1975).
Mahuna: Employed internally as an antirheumatic (Romero, 1954).
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.