Wild Quinine
Parthenium integrifolium
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial
Native To
Eastern and Central North America
Toxicity
Foliage may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
The Story
Plant Bio
Parthenium integrifolium is a clump-forming, native perennial with large basal leaves and sturdy, upright stems. It is a tough, long-blooming plant well-suited for prairie or meadow gardens. This species is valued for its unique, flat-topped clusters of small, dense, cauliflower-like white flowers that persist for a long time. The dried flower heads provide excellent winter interest.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun with average to poor soil.
- Ensure the location has good drainage, as it dislikes wet feet.
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
- Set the plant in the hole at the same level it was in the container.
- Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
- Water occasionally during the first year until established.
Pro Tip
Avoid overly rich or moist soils, which can cause the plant to become leggy and flop over.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the sturdiest stems and best flowering.
- Plant in well-drained soil.
- Allow the plant to self-sow if you want it to naturalize.
- Leave the dried flower heads for winter interest.
- Use it in combination with native grasses.
Don't
- Do not overwater; it is very drought tolerant.
- Avoid fertilizing, as it thrives in lean soil.
- Don't plant in shade, which leads to weak, floppy growth.
- Avoid rich, heavily amended garden soil.
- Do not cut back in fall if you want winter interest.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Wild Quinine questions
What zones can Wild Quinine grow in?
Wild Quinine is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Wild Quinine deer resistant?
Yes — Wild Quinine is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Wild Quinine bloom?
Wild Quinine typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Wild Quinine need full sun?
Wild Quinine does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Wild Quinine drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Wild Quinine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
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Grow Wild Quinine with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
