Audubon® Native Wild Quinine

Pollinator powerhouse! Overlooked and undervalued, Wild Quinine is a humble American wildflower that gets little attention, but does important work. For two months, beginning in late spring, its woolly white flowers service all sorts of pollinators. It doesn’t feed only the showy butterflies, but all of the unsung heroes of the pollinator world—sweat bees, mining bees, and carpenter bees, soldier flies, syrphid flies, and tachinid flies, beneficial wasps, moths, and beetles. These little creatures contribute enormously to the health of our ecosystem, and we should help them flourish! Planting Wild Quinine is a terrific way to do that.

We don’t hear much about malaria in the United States anymore, but this deadly disease was once a major killer of Americans. It wasn’t until 1951 that the mosquito-borne parasite was eradicated in the U.S. Before quinine was first synthesized by scientists in the 1940s, the most effective cure was the bark of a South American tree called the Cinchona. When Cinchona supplies ran low during World War I, Americans turned to the Wild Quinine plant, which was believed to have healing powers as well. Today, Wild Quinine is valuable primarily as a healer of the land, supplying nectar and pollen to our hardworking pollinators.

Grow some extra Wild Quinine to use as cut flowers for the house! The pretty, pearly white blooms make for a nice filler. Use it like Baby’s Breath to round out a bouquet.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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