American Feverfew (Wild Quinine)
Family:
Asteraceae (daisies)
Description:
A perennial with stems single or branched. Flowerheads in flat-topped or slightly rounded, fussy white inflorescences about ¼ inch wide. Ray florets few, tiny, inconspicuous. Blooms May–September. Leaves are aromatic, to 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, tapering into long petioles (leaf stems), elliptical to broadly ovate, soft-hairy, with a toothed or scalloped margin. Often forms clumps.
Size:
Height: to 3 feet.
Habitat and conservation:
Occurs in prairies, glades, rocky open woods, forest openings, savannas, pastures and roadsides. This native plant is a characteristic species of high-quality upland prairie plant communities.
Distribution in Missouri:
Scattered nearly statewide, but uncommon or absent from the northwestern quarter.
Human connections:
The names feverfew and wild quinine indicate that the plant was used medicinally. Some Native American tribes made a poultice of the leaves to use for treating burns. Apparently the plant was also used as a diuretic. Today people plant it as part of a prairie restoration or native wildflower garden.
Ecosystem connections:
Insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar. This plant is rarely eaten by mammals because of its coarse texture and bitter-tasting chemicals in the leaves. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/17537
