Tanacetum vulgare
Tanacetum vulgare
Common tansy
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Taxonomy
Family Asteraceae · Genus Tanacetum
Description
Tanacetum vulgare, or common tansy, is a hardy, aromatic perennial with ferny foliage and cheerful yellow button-like blooms in summer. It’s easy, drought-tolerant, and tough, but can spread aggressively by rhizomes and seed—grow in a contained area or manage regularly.
Common Names
Common tansyTansyBitter buttons
Context
nativeRegion
Europe and temperate Asia; widely naturalized in North America and elsewhere.
usdaZones
3-8
companionPlants
Yarrow, Echinacea (coneflower), Lavender, Catmint, Roses
culturalUses
Historically used as a strewing herb and insect repellent, in traditional remedies, and as a yellow dye plant; not recommended for internal use due to toxicity.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun for best flowering; tolerates light shade.
WateringWater moderately; drought-tolerant once established. Let the topsoil dry between waterings and avoid soggy conditions.
SoilWell-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred; avoid overly rich soil.
FertilizerUsually unnecessary; top-dress with compost in spring if soil is very poor. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds.
HumidityAverage outdoor humidity; provide good airflow to prevent mildew.
TemperatureHardy in USDA 3-8; tolerates severe cold. Ideal growing temps 60-75°F (16-24°C) in the active season.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitClump-forming, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial with upright stems and aromatic, ferny leaves.
Mature Size2-4 ft tall and 1-3 ft wide; can spread via rhizomes.
Growth RateFast, vigorous spreader.
BloomingFlat-topped clusters of yellow, button-like disk flowers in mid to late summer.
DormancyWinter dormant; dies back to the crown in cold climates.
Propagation
MethodsDivision, Seed, Softwood stem cuttings
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonDivide in spring or early fall; sow seeds in spring; take cuttings late spring to early summer.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningDeadhead to reduce self-seeding. Shear after bloom to tidy, and cut to the ground in late fall or early spring. Divide clumps to control spread.
RepottingBest grown in-ground or in large containers; refresh container soil and divide every 2-3 years.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally pest-resistant. May develop powdery mildew, rust, or leaf spots in humid, crowded, or poorly ventilated sites; root rot in waterlogged soils. Can be invasive—check local regulations.
ToxicityToxic to humans and pets if ingested (contains thujone); may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
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