Additional notes (click to expand)
Horticulture
An upright, perennial (30-60 cm high) with leaves that resemble those of ferns. It is in the daisy family and produces large white, pink or red hermaphrodite flowers. They are used as companion plants to repel pest insects from crops and ornamental plants. Affected pests include: aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, cabbage white and bed bugs (Cimex lectularius).
To propagate, sow ripe seed in spring in a free-draining, loam-based compost in a greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Divide established plants in spring.
Medicinal
The flowers of have been used for centuries as a lice remedy in the Middle East (known as “Persian Powder” or "Persian Pellitory”). The yellow disc rays of the flowers contain pyrethrins. The dried flowers should be crushed and mixed with water.
Other use
The dried flower heads of Tanacetum coccineum and T. cinerariifolium are the source of the commercially available insecticide pyrethrum which is non-toxic to mammals and the most commonly used non-synthetic insecticide. It is certified in organic agriculture. Tanacetum coccineum contains insecticidal pyrethrum, but it is a poor source compared to T. cinerariifolium.
Tanacetum coccineum and T. cinerariifolium are used as companion plants to repel pest insects from crops and ornamental plants. Affected pests include: aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, cabbage white and bed bugs (Cimex lectularius).
Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides based on natural pyrethrum (pyrethrins); one common example is permethrin. A common formulation of pyrethrin is in preparations containing the synthetic chemical piperonyl butoxide: this has the effect of enhancing the toxicity to insects and speeding the effects when compared with pyrethrins used alone. These formulations are known as synergized pyrethrins.
Popular with flower arrangers for their attractive, long lasting flowers and ferny foliage.
Toxicity
Pyrethrum should be handled with caution. People exposed to concentrated amounts of pyrethrum (in the eyes, on the skin or ingesting) may experience symptoms including pruritus, dermatitis, papules, erythema, rhinorrhea and asthma.
Geographical distribution
- Asia-Temperate, Caucasus, Transcaucasus
- Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Iran
- Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Turkey
Tanacetum coccineum (Willd.) Grierson
Family: ASTERACEAEGenus: Tanacetum
Species: coccineum (Willd.) Grierson
Common names: Garden Pyrethrum; Painted Daisy; Persian insect-flower
Distribution summary: Temperate Asia
Habit: Short-lived Perennial
Hardiness: H4 - Hardy; average winter
Habitat: Dry, sunny, rocky mountains
Garden status: Not currently grown
Flowering months: July, August
Reason for growing: Medicinal, other use, toxic