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
Perennials
Seasons
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 5'
Max Spread: 6'
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Part Sun
Tolerances
Toxicity
Do not ingest
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.
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
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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