Parthenium integrifolium
Wild quinine
Wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium) is commonly found on roadsides and rights-of-way in the Piedmont. It is the most observed species in the NC Piedmont Roadside Native Plant project on iNaturalist, which has been running since 2016. This member of the Asteraceae family is not particularly showy, but it’s presence often indicates a quality habitat for other sun-loving prairie plants. The native range of wild quinine extends from the Piedmont through prairie states as far north as Minnesota.