Fern-Leaf Tansy
Common names Fern-Leaf Tansy, Ant Fern, Golden Buttons
Latin name Tanacetum vulgare crispum
Life cycle Perennial
Height 2.5 ft
Space 18" apart
Bloom Late summer
Light Full sun to part shade
Soil Well-drained
Zone Zone 4
Feature Somewhat drought tolerant, Deer & rabbit resistant, Xeriscape
Use:
Dried flowering stems are attractive in arrangements and dried stems with foliage can be hung in rooms to repel flies. Put dried leaves and sprigs placed in drawers to repel mice and in closets to repel clothes moths. Old timers planted tansy near doors to discourage flies from entering and put the fresh leaves at the doorstep to keep ants away.
Caution:
Tansy is not recommended for human consumption and continued ingestion may result in convulsions and death. Tansy tea was very popular as a tonic in Victorian England and overdoses were sometimes fatal. Recipes for tansy pudding and tansy cookies are sometimes found in herbal cookbooks, but should probably not be used.
Ornamental:
Aromatic bright green finely cut leaflets give the plant a lush fern-like appearance whith clusters of yellow button flowers at the ends of stems. Plant tansy by a sidewalk or along a path so you can brush against the foliage and release the fragrance.
Culture:
Tansy is somewhat drought tolerant, but looks better with moderate water. Clumps spread by underground rootstocks and can spread relentlessly in rich soil. Give it plenty of space in the garden or plant it in containers.

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