Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

Tansy is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 5' tall. Stems are kind of hairy, woody, and purplish red near the base.

Leaves: Leaves are 2-12" long and are half as wide. The leaves are toothed and are strongly aromatic when crushed.

Flowers: Flowers are clusters of bright yellow discs. Discs are around .5" wide and they bloom in July through October.

Fruits & Seeds: Seeds are yellowish brown and are dispersed by wind, water, and roadside mowing.

Roots: Spreads vegetatively forming new plants from even small root fragments.

Ecological threats

  • Tansy invades well drained and sandy soils in prairies, fields, pastures, and roadsides.
  • It is unpalatable to grazing animals, and contains alkaloids that are toxic to both livestock and humans if consumed in large quantities.

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