Tansy

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a vigorous, ferny-leaved perennial with clusters of small, button-like yellow flowers and a strong, bitter, camphor-like scent. Once a common medicinal and culinary herb in old cottage gardens, tansy is grown today mostly as an ornamental and insect-repellent companion plant rather than for eating.

Growing Tansy

Tansy is extremely tough and low-maintenance, tolerating poor soil and neglect while spreading readily by both seed and rhizome — enough so that it's considered invasive in some regions, so check local guidance before planting. Its cheerful yellow button flowers and ferny foliage make it a popular addition to cutting gardens and pollinator borders where its spread can be kept in check.

Traditional & Garden Uses

Tansy contains thujone and other compounds that are toxic in more than trace amounts, so it has fallen out of use as a food or medicinal herb — historically it was used sparingly in small amounts in Easter breads and puddings, a practice not recommended today. Its strong scent is still valued as a companion plant thought to repel ants and other insects, and dried sprigs are sometimes used in sachets.