tansy
Tanacetum vulgare
In the Middle Ages, Tansy was used as an insect repellent and was often tucked into funeral winding sheets to deter vermin.
- Scientific name
- Tanacetum vulgare
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Asterales › Asteraceae › Tanacetum
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Meadows, roadsides, riverbanks, and disturbed waste ground with full sun.
- Diet
- Photosynthetic (requires sunlight, water, and mineral-rich soil).
- Range
- Europe, Asia, North America, Tasmania
- Size
- 50 to 150 cm in height.
- Lifespan
- Perennial (rhizomes can live for decades).
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Intensive agriculture, frequent mowing, and chemical herbicide application.
- Safe to approach?
- Generally safe to observe. Avoid ingestion as it contains thujone, a toxic oil. May cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; wash skin if a rash develops after handling.
Tansy ( Tanacetum vulgare ) is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant of the aster family, native to temperate Europe and Asia. It has been introduced to other parts of the world including North America, and in some areas has become invasive. It is also known as common tansy , bitter buttons , cow bitter , or golden buttons .
Photo: Maria, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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