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Tansy Tanacetum vulgare 

 
 
Attracts BeesBees are attracted to this plant
Attracts ButterfliesButterflies are attracted to this plant
Attracts BirdsBirds are attracted to this plant
Perennial Life CyclePerennial life cycle
Daisy-Like FlowersDaisy-like flowers
Yellow FlowersYellow flowers
No PetalsNo petals
Jun-Oct Flowering
period
Pinnate LeavesPinnate leaves
Lobe-Edged LeavesLobe-edged leaves
Ribbed StemRibbed stem
Fibrous RootsFibrous roots
120cmMaximum height
 
 
  Main image of Tansy

© 2020-2025 Adrian Briggs

 

Tansy is a native perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 120cm.

Although part of the Daisy family, the composite flowerheads of Tansy do not have long-petalled outer 'ray' florets and are made up entirely of golden 'disc' florets, similar to those found at the centre of the daisy. The appearance of these flowers gives rise to the common name 'Golden Buttons'.

Botanic classification and naming: Tansy is a member of the Daisy (Asteraceae) family. The genus name 'Tanacetum' identifies the plant as a Tansy and its species name 'vulgare' means 'common species'.

Concerns: Tansy is a poisonous plant containing the toxin Thujone, which can induce serious illness and even death. It also contains substances that can cause dermatitis on skin contact with the plant. Unchecked, the plant spreads vigorously.

Benefits: Attracts insect-eating birds.

Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.

 

 
Flower of Tansy

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Flowers:
Tansy usually flowers between June and October.

Flower colour:

Flower Colour Yellow

Yellow

Flower shape:

Flower Shape  Daisy-like

Daisy-like

Petals:

Petal Number =  0

0

Leaf of Tansy

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Leaves:

Leaf Shape:

Leaf Shape is Pinnate

Pinnate

Leaf Margins:

Leaf Margin is lobed

lobed

Stem of Tansy

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Stem and Roots:

Stem shape:

Stem Shape is Ribbed

Ribbed

Root type:

Root Type is Fibrous

Fibrous