Photo: Bob SchwartzCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
American Feverfew Plant Care
Phryma leptostachya L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Phryma leptostachya, also known as Lopseed, is a unique plant with distinctive slender spikes of tiny purple flowers that give it a delicate and elegant appearance. It is native to moist woodland areas in North America and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its charming and understated beauty.
Every 3–7 days
Partial to full shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for American Feverfew?
Water American Feverfew every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the American Feverfew Native To?
What Is the American Feverfew?
American Feverfew (Phryma leptostachya) belongs to the Phrymaceae family within the Phryma genus. American Feverfew is native to eastern North America. American Feverfew is also known as Wood Nettle, Lizard's Tail.
American Feverfew displays a low rosette, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. American Feverfew produces small, tubular purple flowers in dense spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a American Feverfew?
Phryma leptostachya requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the American Feverfew Need?
American Feverfew thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing American Feverfew in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the American Feverfew Prefer?
Phryma leptostachya grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. American Feverfew prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American Feverfew?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for American Feverfew to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a American Feverfew?
Feed American Feverfew every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a American Feverfew?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a American Feverfew?
American Feverfew can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to phryma leptostachya var. oblongifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the American Feverfew Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list American Feverfew, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the American Feverfew?
American Feverfew is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the American Feverfew Need?
American Feverfew grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. American Feverfew is native to eastern North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
American Feverfew is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Phryma genus — compare its care with other Phryma species on PlantoScan.
Phryma is part of the Phrymaceae plant family — browse all Phrymaceae genera and species.
American Feverfew copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Phryma leptostachya L., family Phrymaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. 2: 601. 1753 [1 May 1753]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list American Feverfew, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Bob Schwartz, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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