Tanacetum vulgare

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TansyFamily: Asteraceae

Height: 1mSpread: 60cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Yellow

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

East facing, south facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Middle

Soil

Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Tanacetums are annuals or perennials with daisy- or button-like flower-heads. Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) has ferny, aromatic foliage and clusters of mustard-yellow, button-like flowers from summer into autumn. It's native to the UK and is often found growing wild on disturbed ground and roadside verges. It does best in well drained soil and a sunny spot.

Tansy was traditionally grown in herb gardens and has a long history of medicinal use (you'll often find it on sale via herb or wildflower suppliers). It can also be grown as a companion plant in a veg garden, as its aromatic foliage is said to repel many insects. It's often dried for use in the home to repel unwanted insects such as flies and ants. Conversely, the flowers attract many beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies. They can be used as cut flowers and also last well when dried.

Tansy has a tendency to spread via underground rhizomes, so can become invasive in the garden and difficult to control. Grow it in a wild garden where it's free to spread around, or grow it in a container to contain it. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding.

All parts of the plant are toxic if consumed in large quantities and the foliage can cause skin irritation.

Where to buy Tanacetum vulgare

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Tanacetum ‘Vulgare’ and wildlife

Tanacetum ‘Vulgare’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Tanacetum ‘Vulgare’ poisonous?

Tanacetum ‘Vulgare’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract Horses

Horses

Is known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is known to attract People

People

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds