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Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), belonging to the daisy family, is a fragrant perennial known for its aggressive growth. It is recognizable by its dark green, fern-like leaves and clusters of small, golden flowers that bloom on stems that can reach heights of up to 5 feet. Historically, common tansy served as a significant medicinal herb in Europe and was introduced to the Americas by early settlers, who also valued it for ornamental purposes. Currently, it is regarded as an invasive species in North America.
The plant has adapted to the nearby regions, outcompeting local plant species and resulting in a reduction of wildlife habitats and a deterioration of water quality. Common tansy produces a large number of seeds, so removing the flowers before they seed can help manage its proliferation. If common tansy is present on your land, it is advisable to eradicate it. The leaves of common tansy are harmful to humans, pets, and livestock.
Ways to Recognize Common Tansy
Tansy typically features three to six upright stems that range in color from brown to reddish-brown or purplish-red at their base. Its foliage consists of green, fern-like, or feathery leaves that alternate along the stems. When the leaves are crushed, they emit a strong camphor-like scent, aiding in the plant’s identification. The aromatic leaves of common tansy serve as a natural insect repellent, making the plant resistant to pests and diseases, which contributes to its ability to thrive and spread uncontrollably.
Between July and September, common tansy showcases vibrant golden or yellow button-shaped flowers, measuring between 1/4 and 1/2 inch in diameter, arranged in broad, flat clusters that can reach up to 4 inches across. As summer transitions to fall, these flowers develop into small, dark brown seed heads, allowing the plant to self-seed abundantly.
Ways to Eliminate Common Tansy
Single plants or small clusters of common tansy can be eliminated by hand, but a shovel is necessary due to the depth of the roots. It is essential to extract the roots completely, as the plant can regenerate from any remaining root pieces. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the plants, as the leaves may lead to skin irritation.
A non-selective herbicide should be utilized only when the level of infestation is too severe for manual eradication. When applying chemical herbicides, focus on the specific plants you wish to eliminate, prevent any drift, and ensure you are wearing protective gear, including gloves and goggles. Cutting the plants back can help weaken them prior to herbicide application on the new growth, reducing the quantity needed. However, it is crucial to mow before the plants produce seeds, as doing so afterward could lead to further seed dispersal.
Ways to Stop Common Tansy from Expanding
No matter which method you choose for removal, ensure that you eliminate the plants prior to them producing seeds, ideally during the summer blooming phase. If you wait until late summer or autumn to remove common tansy after the seed heads have formed, you will likely see new plants sprouting the following year.
Common Tansy and Tansy Ragwort
The blossoms of tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobea) significantly differ from the button-shaped flowers of common tansy. Tansy ragwort features flowers that look like yellow daisies, characterized by 13 petal rays surrounding a yellow center. Both species are considered harmful invasive weeds.
What are the applications of the tansy flower?
The Tansy flower has a historical background in the preparation of various medicinal remedies. However, scientific evidence backing its medicinal properties is limited, and it is mainly regarded as toxic.
Which insects are deterred by tansy?
Traditionally, the tansy herb served as a natural insect repellent. Recent studies indicate that the essential oil extracted from this plant can effectively deter mosquitoes.
Is it a good idea to grow tansy in my garden?
Given its harmful characteristics and propensity to spread aggressively, it may be wise to avoid introducing common tansy to your garden.
