Wild Quinine

Parthenium integrifolium

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Maryland to Minnesota and Georgia, as far west as Wisconsin and Arkansas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Emmenagogue Kidney Lithontripic Poultice Urinary A poultice made from the fresh leaves is applied to burns[222, 257]. The root is used in the treatment of inflammation of the urinary passages and kidneys, amenorrhoea and as a lithontripic[207, 222]. The flowering tops are used as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of intermittent fevers[207, 222]. One study suggests that use of the plant might stimulate the immune system[222].

Known Hazards

The plant can cause dermatitis or allergies in sensitive people[222].