Tanacetum vulgare L.
Common Tansy
Tansy is a robust, aromatic native perennial growing on stiff, upright stems to around 50-150cm, with handsome dark green, deeply divided, ferny leaves that release a sharp, distinctive scent when bruised. In late summer the stems are crowned with flat-topped clusters of bright golden-yellow, button-like flowerheads that lack ray florets, giving rise to the old name golden-buttons.
About
Tansy is a robust, aromatic native perennial growing on stiff, upright stems to around 50-150cm, with handsome dark green, deeply divided, ferny leaves that release a sharp, distinctive scent when bruised. In late summer the stems are crowned with flat-topped clusters of bright golden-yellow, button-like flowerheads that lack ray florets, giving rise to the old name golden-buttons. It spreads steadily at the root to form clumps.
In the wild it grows on disturbed and rough ground, road verges, riverbanks, hedgerows and waste places, preferring well-drained soil in full sun and tolerating sandy, loamy or clay ground. Flowering from around July or August into autumn, the nectar-rich blooms are valuable to hoverflies, bees, beetles and other late-season insects, and it is a foodplant for several specialist invertebrates. Its height, strong foliage and long-lasting flowers make it a bold choice for the back of a border, a pollinator strip or a damp meadow margin, though its spreading roots reward giving it room.
Also known as
Garden Tansy · Golden-buttons · Tansy · Tasny
Synonyms
Tanacetum vulgare boreale · Tanacetum vulgare crispum · Tanacetum vulgare vulgare
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.