Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew)

Feverfew has a history dating back to monastic medicine, used as a remedy for headaches and migraines. How widespread its use has been in Norway is uncertain, but the herb is mentioned in ‘Gammel urtebok’ (the old herbal book) of Ulvik (1574 and 1626). The plant has certainly been grown here for a long time, it naturalises readily and is commonly found along the roads among older buildings of coastal towns.

Varieties with doubled flowers were popular ornamental plants in the 18th century. These are mentioned by the priest Hans Strøm from gardens in Sunnmøre and are preserved in the Besche herbarium in Bergen (1719).

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