Ornamental Herbs
HERBS 'N SPICES: ORNAMENTAL TREASURES
Feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium, is a perennial herb
also known as Bachelor's Button, Flirtwort, Manzanilla,
Featherfoil, and Wild Chamomile. It's often sold as an
ornamental plant, not mentioning its status as an herb.
However, it's been used as a headache remedy for
centuries and is considered a medicinal herb. It was
one of the first herbs I grew from a small division that
was given to me by my husband's grandmother. I love
the bright green soft foliage and the bright daisy-like
flowers. I personally haven't used it as a medicinal herb
but love having it in my garden.
Older books often refer to feverfew as Chrysanthemum
parthenium if you are looking for references to it. The
blooms are about an inch across and flower from June
to August. I've found it really does better in full sun and
a well-drained, but average soil. Feverfew can be started
from seed or from divisions. It reseeds, and if the original
plant becomes woody, you can transplant the volunteers
and start over. Don't fertilize the plants too often because
it will encourage foliage over blooms.
Feverfew is also a great companion plant for the garden
because it attracts hover-flies, which eat the larvae of
aphids. This is a very good thing!
If you do use feverfew as a medicinal herb be cautious.
As usual, do not use it if you are pregnant or nursing.
You will see recommendations to chew the leaves as a
migraine cure, but the oils in the leaves can cause some
people to have mouth ulcers. Ouch! Either wrap leaves
in bread, or consider making a tea out of the flowers
and the leaves. 2 tsp of dried herb or 1 leaf of fresh
herb in 1 cup of hot water is suggested.
Feverfew is a great filler for flowerbeds because of its
pretty blooms and bright foliage. It's also at home in the
herb garden or your vegetable garden. It's a very useful
ornamental treasure!
MORE TIPS: Learn to grow gentle chamomile:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/
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