What is wild quinine good for?
During World War I, wild quinine was used as a substitute for the bark of the Cinchona tree—as the active ingredient of quinine used to treat malaria. Wild quinine is a fly favorite, attracting soldier flies (Stratiomys and Odontomyia), Syrphid flies (Syrphidae), Tachnid flies (Tachnidae), and others.
Does parthenium Integrifolium contain quinine?
Since Parthenium integrifolium also contained quinine, it was used as a substitute.
Where does wild quinine grow?
Wild quinine thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 7. A member of the sunflower family, growing quinine wildflowers are found in open woods and prairies. The best growing conditions for quinine plant include fertile, well-drained soil and full sun to light shade.
What plants contain quinine?
Quinine, an alkaloid derived from the South American cinchona tree, was well recognized by the middle 1800s as the drug of choice for treating malaria.
Where is wild quinine native?
It is also called American feverfew. In the U.S., wild quinine occurs from northeast Texas to southern Minnesota, east to the Atlantic Coast.
Does wild quinine spread?
Plants produce a deep taproot with the crown spreading horizontally via short rhizomes. The flower heads are pearly white and about one-third of an inch across and borne in flat- topped clusters. The head is composed of short disk flowers with very few small, ray flowers produced in each head.
Does wild quinine contain quinine?
Despite the common name, this species does not contain quinine. Rather, the leaves have a bitter taste resembling that drug. It is fortunate that wild quinine is easy to grow in gardens, as herbalists make extensive use of it.
Where does quinine come from in nature?
Quinine is a bitter compound that comes from the bark of the cinchona tree. The tree is most commonly found in South America, Central America, the islands of the Caribbean, and parts of the western coast of Africa.
Is Wild quinine edible?
Wild Quinine has large, swollen, dark brown roots it grows first vertically and then may expand horizontally. Collect flowering tops and roots, dry for later herb use. It is not edible.
When to look for Parthenium integrifolium wild quinine?
Parthenium integrifolium (Wild Quinine) matures to 4′ and has white, dense, cauliflower-looking flowers. It prefers medium soil conditions, and grows best in full sun. Wild Quinine can be seen blooming June through September.
What kind of flowers do wild quinine plants have?
Rare and unusual, Wild Quinine is a gorgeous native plant with everything one could want in a garden perennial: upright form, excellent foliage, a long bloom time, and resistance to insects and disease. The dense clusters of pure white flowers attract an array of pollinators.
Where can I find wild quinine in Minnesota?
While it may be found planted in parks and restored natural areas, Minnesota is on the northwest tip of its natural range and it’s rarely found in the wild except along protected railroad rights of way and a few prairie and savanna remnants in the southeast counties.
When is the best time to see wild quinine?
Wild Quinine can be seen blooming June through September. Wild Quinine is typically found in dry areas of prairies and open woods. The leaves have been used for tea in order to reduce fevers, hence the names Wild Quinine and American Feverfew.
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