Tansy or Common Tansy
Tanacetum vulgare · Asteraceae (Daisy, aster, or sunflower family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Compound (pinnately divided/pinnatisect), deciduous
Shape
Oblanceolate to oblong in outline, deeply pinnately lobed into numerous narrow, fern-like segments
Margin
Serrate or toothed on the individual lobes, with pinnatifid edges
Arrangement
Alternate along the rigid, erect stems
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib/rachis and fine reticulate secondary veins branching into the lobes
Key Features
Deeply pinnately divided, fern-like alternate leaves with a pungent camphor scent, purplish central leaf stems, and flat-topped clusters of bright yellow button-like flowers
Description
Tanacetum vulgare is a robust, herbaceous perennial plant that produces upright stems ranging from 2 to 4 feet tall. It is easily recognized by its strongly aromatic, dark green, deeply dissected fern-like foliage and clusters of bright yellow, button-like flower heads that bloom in mid-to-late summer. The leaves emit a strong, camphor-like scent when crushed, which has historically helped deter pests.
Habitat
Disturbed soils, roadsides, riverbanks, pastures, and waste areas; prefers full sun and well-drained soils
Native Range
Native to temperate Europe and Asia; widely introduced and naturalized across North America and other temperate regions globally