Tanacetum vulgare

Tanacetum vulgare

€5,90
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Tanacetum vulgare
  • Tanacetum vulgare
  • Tanacetum vulgare
  • Tanacetum vulgare
  • Tanacetum vulgare
  • Tanacetum vulgare
  • Tanacetum vulgare
  • Tanacetum vulgare
  • Tanacetum vulgare
  • Tanacetum vulgare
  • Tanacetum vulgare
Tanacetum vulgare

Tanacetum vulgare

€5,90
Organic
Sustainable
Locally grown

🪴Standard: 9x9 cm pot

🚂  Ships across EU

🌱 Grown without pesticides or UV lamps

🧑‍🍳 The best time to collect the leaves for drying, infusions, culinary uses is between April and July - just before Tansy begins to flower.

Human consumption of common tansy has been practiced for centuries with few ill effects, yet the toxic properties of the plants are cumulative and long term consumption of large quantities has caused convulsions and even death.

⛔ So please don't eat too much of it.
Flower Color: Yellow

Preferred Soil Type: Fertile, Well-drained

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade

Growth Habit: Bushy

Origine: Europe

Tanacetum vulgare is a hardy perennial with fragrant, feathery foliage and stunning clusters of yellow button-like flowers. Native to Europe and Asia, this drought-tolerant plant is perfect for wildflower gardens, pollinator-friendly landscapes, and rewilded gardens.
The flowers of Tanacetum vulgare appear in the summer and take the form of small, yellow button-like blooms. The foliage is feathery and fragrant, maintaining its fragrance once dried.

👩🍳 COOKING AND DYING TIPS 👩🍳

While edible uses are limited due to thujone and other bitter compounds, several species of Tanacetum have historical applications in:

    • Culinary flavoring of bitters, liqueurs, or herbal teas (in very small amounts).

    • Folk medicine for digestive, menstrual, and parasitic ailments.

      • Tanacetum parthenium - used historically for cramps/migraine prevention because the leaves contain parthenolide

    • Dyeing: yellow and green tones can be obtained from leaves and flowers, sometimes enhanced with mordants like alum or iron salts.

Learn more about dying with Tansy:

Gardening Tips

✂️ Regular pruning of spent flowers encourages bushy growth and prevents excessive self-seeding.
🐜 Companion planting potential: repels pests in vegetable gardens (e.g., aphids, ants) and attracts beneficial insects.
👯‍♀️ Because of their rhizomatous habit, containment may be necessary to prevent aggressive spreading.
The Botany

Floral Morphology

The flowers of Tanacetum species are typically small, tightly clustered, and range in color from bright yellow to pale cream or white.

They are usually daisy-like or button-shaped, forming flat-topped inflorescences that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and flies.

Fruits are usually small achenes that are easily dispersed by wind.

Leaves are often pinnately divided, fern-like, and aromatic when crushed. Their fine texture contrasts beautifully with the dense flower clusters.

Stems can be erect or spreading, depending on the species, and many Tanacetum plants spread via rhizomes, forming clumps or colonies in suitable habitats.

Reproductive Biology

Tanacetum species reproduce sexually via seeds and vegetatively via rhizomes. Flowers are usually insect-pollinated, supporting local pollinator populations.

Seed germination varies by species but generally occurs in spring, while rhizomatous growth allows rapid colonization of suitable habitats.

Most species are perennial and hardy in temperate climates, tolerating moderate drought once established.

From a botanical standpoint, the Tanacetum genus offers an intriguing mix of ornamental beauty, chemical utility, and historical significance.

Its diverse species connect horticulture, ethnobotany, and natural dyeing traditions, demonstrating the genus’s long-standing relationship with humans.

Other Names

Tansy Bitter buttons Cow bitter Golden buttons
The Myth

In the sixteenth century Tanacetum vulgare was considered to be "necessary for a garden" in England - a list compiled in or around 1525 by Thomas Fromond, a Surry landowner. The plants were classified by species having a specific purpose or by species destined for a 'sophisticated pleasure garden'. It was grown in the garden of Charlemagne the Great in the eighth century and in the herb gardens of Swiss Benedictine monks as a treatment for intestinal worms, rheumatism, fevers and digestive problems. As it is also known for its pest-repellent properties, Tansy can help protect your garden from certain pests including:

Aphids – Tansy’s strong aroma is a natural deterrent for aphids, which are commonly found on plants like roses, vegetables, and fruit trees.

Japanese Beetles/Ants/Caterpillars - especially those that are commonly found on plants or vegetables

Flies – Tansy has been historically used to keep flies at bay, especially in areas where food is stored or on animal pastures.

Moths – Known as the "moth plant," Tansy’s leaves have been used to repel moths and protect stored goods like wool and fabrics

According to liquor historian A. J. Baime, in the 19th century Tennessee whiskey magnate Jack Daniel enjoyed drinking his own whiskey with sugar and crushed tansy leaf - I'll confirm, it is quite tasty! The flowers make a bright yellow dye for those who are keen home dyers :)

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