Parthenium integrifolium
| Parthenium integrifolium | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Parthenium |
| Species: | P. integrifolium |
| Binomial name | |
| Parthenium integrifolium L. | |
Parthenium integrifolium is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common names wild quinine, American feverfew, and eastern feverfew. It is native to the eastern United States.[1][2]
This plant is a perennial herb growing 30 to 60 centimeters tall, but known to exceed one meter at times. The glandular leaves are oval to lance-shaped and variable in size. They have serrated, toothed, or lobed edges. The inflorescence is an array of several flower heads containing whitish disc flowers and 5 to 6 ray flowers.[2] The "flowers have a pleasant but mild medicinal fragrance."[3]
This plant grows in disturbed areas[2] as well as prairies, woods, and hillsides. It tolerates hot and cold climates and can be used as a garden plant in many areas.[3]
The leaves of the plant contain tannins and the plant was used for medicinal and veterinary purposes by Native Americans. The Catawba people used it as a poultice to treat burns. The ashes were applied to horses with "sore backs".[3][4] The roots were made into a tea to treat dysentery.[3]
References
- ↑ Parthenium integrifolium. NatureServe.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Parthenium integrifolium. Flora of North America.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Parthenium integrifolium. USDA NRCS Plant Guide.
- ↑ Parthenium integrifolium. University of Michigan Ethnobotany.