Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Balkans and Caucasus. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 25–45 cm (10–18 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Feverfew in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Feverfew at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–45 cm (10–18 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Balkans and Caucasus |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Feverfew toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, flowers
Parthenolide can cause mouth ulcers and skin irritation, and it should be avoided in pregnancy; pet values are estimated from related daisies.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Feverfew
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Feverfew
- How far apart should I plant Feverfew?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–45 cm (10–18 in).
- Does Feverfew need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Feverfew need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Feverfew?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Feverfew flower?
- From about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Feverfew poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Parthenolide can cause mouth ulcers and skin irritation, and it should be avoided in pregnancy; pet values are estimated from related daisies.
- What grows well with Feverfew?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Feverfew. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Short-lived perennial that self-seeds to maintain itself. Pet values are estimates.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus
- Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus