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Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    4 4 5 5b 6 6b 7 7b 8 8b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 4 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

    Tansy is a tough plant that can grow in almost any sunny spot. While its ferny foliage and clusters of cheerful yellow button flowers are attractive, it can be invasive due to its underground runners and propensity to re-seed.

    Latin Name

    Tanacetum vulgare


    Family

    Asteracea


    Also Known As

    Common tansy , Bitter buttons , Cow bitter


    Type of Plant

    Herbs Herbs
    Perennials Perennials

    Seasons

    Summer Summer

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 5'
    Max spread Max Spread: 6'

    Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Sun Part Sun

    Tolerances

  • Drought

  • Toxicity

    Do not ingest Do not ingest
    Skin irritant Skin irritant

    Colors


    Native Range

    Temperate Eurasia


    History

    Historically, tansy was grown for its medicinal properties, which included treating rheumatism, fevers, sores, intestinal worms, and other digestive problems. It can also be used as an insect repellent. Thomas Jefferson was growing it in his kitchen garden at Monticello.


    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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