Tansy
Tansy: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Common tansy, Tanacetum vulgare, is an herbaceous perennial in the aster family, Asteraceae. Its groups of small yellow buttons and finely divided foliage are particularly distinctive. Native to Europe and Asia, it has also become established in other regions, where it can spread invasively. Its visual appeal comes from the contrast between relatively sturdy stems, finely cut leaves and bright yellow flowers. Both the foliage and the flowering heads contribute to its recognisable appearance.The alternate leaves contain numerous toothed divisions arranged along either side of a central axis. Their pattern can recall a fern, although tansy is a flowering plant. Crushed foliage releases a strong smell. Upright stems carry the flowers above the main mass of leaves and can reach around a metre tall, sometimes more. Its silhouette is therefore noticeable for its height as well as the detail of its foliage. Looking closely at the leaf divisions reveals a…
