Tansy
tanacetum vulgare
Also known as: ["Common Tansy","Bitter Buttons","Mugwort","Cow Bitter","Scented Fern"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with finely divided, fern-like leaves and small, yellow, button-like flowers. Historically used for medicinal and culinary purposes, though now recognized for its toxicity.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Tanacetum |
| Botanical Name: | Tanacetum vulgare |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: border plantings, wildflower gardens, or naturalized areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with average fertility. Tolerates poor soil but benefits from organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; deadheading should be done as flowers fade. Major shaping is best done in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or remove dead parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun to prevent leaf burn. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a houseplant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near large windows with direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; amend heavy clay soil with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold down to 0°F (-18°C) but thrives in cooler conditions.
Protect from frost in late spring/early fall; avoid placing near heat sources indoors; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant; use organic options like compost tea for gentle feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of established clumps.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings with leaves.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid. For division, dig up clump.
- Separate healthy sections.
- Replant immediately.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light for cuttings; direct sunlight for divisions once established.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; garden soil for division.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development for cuttings.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 3–6 weeks; division establishes quickly within a growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools to prevent disease; keep cuttings out of direct sun; water divisions well after planting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut stems just above a leaf node or lateral bud; remove dead or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth. Deadheading spent flowers promotes continuous blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as needed; deadhead regularly during blooming season.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Tansy can spread aggressively, so container growth may require division.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water well after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. Apply water slowly and deeply to ensure thorough saturation without runoff. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; mix in sand or perlite for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in extreme heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback, but the plant is generally hardy to cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots in winter. Move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below -10°F (-23°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering. Drought stress may occur in hot, dry conditions.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Tanacetum vulgare. Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Tanacetum vulgare can lead to gastrointestinal upset and neurological symptoms due to the presence of thujone and other toxic compounds. These substances can disrupt normal bodily functions and cause poisoning.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicTanacetum vulgare, commonly known as tansy, contains toxic compounds such as thujone and sesquiterpene lactones, which can cause significant physiological effects when ingested. These compounds interfere with the nervous system and can lead to poisoning.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Tansy safe for consumption?
A: No, Tansy is toxic to humans and should not be consumed.
Q: Does Tansy attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Tansy attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers.
Q: How easy is it to grow Tansy?
A: Tansy is very easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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