Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
Also called Bachelor's buttons
Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruitIt seeds itself into every crack in the paving and you will never be rid of it. That is either free plants or a job for life, and it is worth deciding which before you sow one.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground, then leave it — water at the base and then leave it — these want to dry out between drinks.
- Light
- Full sun
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 0.5 m tall · 0.4 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- The Balkans
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsNothing recorded against it
No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.
PeopleIrritates skin
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-04.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.