19 October, 2026
In short: Powdered flowers were traded as an insecticide in the 19th century as “Persian powder” and “Dalmatian powder”. The most potent species is Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium). Working out the structure of pyrethrins led to synthetic pyrethroids. Today the flowers are grown mainly in highland regions such as East Africa and Tasmania (Australia).
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| Early 19th century | “Persian powder” from Caucasus daisies traded as an insect powder |
| Mid 19th century | Dalmatian pyrethrum (today’s Croatian coast) gives a stronger powder and becomes the main source |
| Early 20th century | Japan grows it at scale and becomes a leading producer before World War II |
| 1920s | Chemists determine the structure of pyrethrins |
| From the 1930s | Kenya and the East African highlands become major growing regions |
| 1949 | The first synthetic pyrethroid, allethrin, is introduced |
| 1970s | More stable pyrethroids such as permethrin are developed |
| From the 1980s | Tasmania (Australia) develops mechanised growing and becomes a major supplier |
See pyrethrins vs. pyrethroids.
It was traded through Persia and the Caucasus and made from a different species (Tanacetum coccineum) with lower content than Dalmatian pyrethrum.
There has been no significant commercial area. Thao Duoc Xanh is trialling it in the northern highlands.
References: Casida (1980), Pyrethrum flowers and pyrethroid insecticides – Environmental Health Perspectives.
Further reading
Thảo Dược Xanh (Blue Herbs) is trialling pyrethrum in the highlands of northern Vietnam (Moc Chau, Dien Bien, Ha Giang). We take pre-orders for seeds, seedlings, dried flowers and extract for research and raw-material buyers. See our products or request a quotation.