Parthenium integrifolium

A portion of my public garden work included managing a small prairie restoration, and I recall being aware of wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium) being one of the constituents. I enjoyed the white summer flowers from afar but have had the recent luxury of observing this hardy, clump-forming native perennial up close. I’ve enjoyed getting to know this plant and am surprised it hasn’t become more mainstream even in the traditional perennial garden. Its long period of bloom, solid stature, pollinator potential and bold garden presence are remarkable.

This Asteraceae member, native to the eastern and midwestern U.S., is best in full sun and will reach up to 48 inches in height with ample moisture. Adaptable to a wide range of soils, this heat tolerant, long-lived perennial is normally found scattered in disturbed areas of prairie and glades. The fragrant, toothed, “sandpapery” foliage is quite bold at the base and becomes smaller ascending the strong stems. The lengthy bloom period is from June until September and features a flat-topped floral structure (corymb) with densely-crowded, whitish, woolly flowers. These interesting flowers (excellent in arrangements) are quite “cauliflower or button-like” in their appearance and attract a wide range of native bees, wasps, flies and beetles. The upright flower clusters, bunched loosely together, have a coarse, “baby’s breath-like” appearance and additionally, the winter inflorescences are attractive.

Once established, wild quinine is challenging to move due to a taproot. Moist stratification of seed is the primary germination method. This bold perennial has no serious insect or disease problems and is both deer and rabbit resistant. The leaves have a history of medicinal use, particularly in teas to reduce fevers. This plant contains parthenolide which is a chemical valued for anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, the common name, wild quinine, relates to the use of this plant during WWI as a quinine substitute to treat malaria. It was substituted for the bark of the South American Cinchona tree, due to shortages at the time. This beautiful plant deserves more attention.