Fernleaf Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare var crispum) is also known as Golden Buttons, Double Tansy, or Curled Tansy. Its leaves are longer, broader, more finely cut and down-curving, than common Tansy. This perennial plant is also denser and more decorative and grows only 2 to 3 feet tall. The yellow flowers are similar to those of common tansy and the leaves are light green in color. It is much less invasive than common tansy and much showier.
Tansy Medicinal Benefits
- Medicinal tea.
- Vermifuge (eliminates intestinal worms).
- External: various skin conditions, relieve sprains, reduce swelling, neuralgia and painful rheumatic parts
WARNING: The plant’s essential oil contains several toxic substances including thujone. Thujone is known to cause liver damage as well as convulsions and brain damage.
When tansy is applied topically, it can also cause allergic reactions or lead to contact dermatitis.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers must avoid taking tansy.
Tansy Garden & Home Uses
- Moth, ant, fly and flea repellent indoors as well as outdoors.
- It also repels borers when planted among young fruit trees.
- It is a good companion plant to raspberries, black-berries and grapes.
- It deters cucumber beetle, squash bugs and Japanese beetles.
- It concentrates potassium making it a good addition to the compost pile.
- Planted near a walkway, tansy releases its aroma each time it is brushed against.
- Plant near the doorway to prevent flies from entering.
Growing Fernleaf Tansy
Indoor Sowing: Not Recommended.
Direct Sowing: Spring and Autumn.
- It is grown from Seed in the spring or autumn.
- Directly seed them into your flower garden after all danger of frost.
- Sow the seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/4″ of fine garden or potting soil.
- Water thoroughly once.
- Thin or space plants 6″ apart.
- Established plants can be propagated by division in autumn.
- Tansy plants are easy to grow and low maintenance.
- They prefer full sun to partial shade.
- They grow well in average or even poor soils.
- Add a general purpose fertilizer when planting them, especially if the soil is poor.
- Once your plant is established, it should grow well with few problems and no maintenance.
- Keep the soil moist to slightly dry.
- Water them during dry periods, once a week.
Medical Disclaimer
Information is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment offered by healthcare professionals.