Parthenium integrifolium.
Wild Quinine, also known as American Feverfew, is a perennial wildflower native to the eastern and midwestern United States where it can often be found growing in the disturbed areas of prairies and glades.
Plant grows to about 4 feet in height and produces dense clusters of cauliflower-like flowers that bloom from June through September.
Historically used to treat fevers, burns, and dysentery, and was used during World War I as an alternate source for the quinine used to treat malaria and other diseases.
Sow wild quinine seeds in late fall or as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Plant just below the surface, lightly compacting the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting.
Typically blooms in the second year.
Wild Quinine
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8 Light Requirement: Full sun Soil Type: Clay, loam, sand Sow Depth: 1/8 inch Plant Spacing: 12 to 24 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: June through September Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall or as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Plant just below the surface, lightly compacting the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before sowing.A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.