Wild Quinine
Parthenium integrifolium
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Parthenium integrifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Prairies, rock outcrops and roadsides in arid and semi-arid environments.
Eastern N. America - Maryland to Minnesota and Georgia, as far west as Wisconsin and Arkansas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
A poultice made from the fresh leaves is applied to burns. The root is used in the treatment of inflammation of the urinary passages and kidneys, amenorrhoea and as a lithontripic. The flowering tops are used as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of intermittent fevers. One study suggests that use of the plant might stimulate the immune system.
Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Kidney: Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
Lithontripic: Removes stones from the kidney, bladder etc.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).
Other
Rating:
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Requires a position in full sun in a well-drained soil. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The plant can cause dermatitis or allergies in sensitive people.