Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium) — Care, Growing Conditions & Wildlife Value

Growing Conditions

Light Full Sun

Water Dry – Medium

Soil Loam

Size 3-4'

Bloom White, Jun–Sep

Why Grow It

Pollinator Magnet Attracts many types of pollinators

Drought Tolerant Thrives with little water once established

Deer Resistant Great for gardens without fencing

Long Blooming Flowers for many weeks through the season

Did You Know?

Early settlers used the plant as a substitute for quinine to treat fevers, giving it the common name Wild Quinine.

The dense, white flower clusters resemble miniature cauliflower heads and attract an unusually diverse mix of pollinators including bees, wasps, flies, and beetles.

Its thick, deeply textured leaves and sturdy stems make it one of the most structurally robust prairie wildflowers, rarely needing staking.

Wildlife Value

🐝

Native Bees Flat flower clusters attract many short-tongued bee species

🪲

Soldier Beetles Gather on flower heads to feed on pollen and mate

🦋

Pearl Crescent Butterfly Visits white flower clusters for midsummer nectar

Good Companions

💜 Prairie Blazing Star 🌾 Little Bluestem 💛 Yellow Coneflower 🌸 Wild Bergamot

Planting Guide

Plant plugs in full sun in dry to medium well-drained soil.
Space 18 inches apart; deep taproot makes it very drought-tolerant.
Leave spent flower heads for winter interest and self-seeding.

Wild Quinine