Tanacetum vulgare

Tanacetum vulgare, commonly known as tansy, is a perennial, herbaceous flowering plant of the aster family, native to temperate Europe and Asia. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, and in some areas has become invasive.

Description

Tanacetum vulgare is a herbaceous perennial plant with finely divided compound leaves and yellow, button-like flowers. It has a stout, somewhat reddish, erect stem, usually smooth, 50–150 cm tall, and branching near the top.

Distribution and habitat

Tanacetum vulgare is native to Eurasia; it is found in almost all parts of mainland Europe. It is absent from Siberia and some of the Mediterranean islands. The plant prefers sunny, dry habitats and soils rich in nitrogen.

Uses

Historically, Tanacetum vulgare was used for medicinal purposes, although this use has fallen out of favor due to the toxic compounds present in the plant. It has also been used as a culinary herb in the past, but is not widely used in modern cooking due to its bitter taste.

Toxicity

Tanacetum vulgare contains a volatile oil which can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. If ingested, it can cause severe digestive discomfort. It is also toxic to many insects and can be used as a natural insecticide.

Invasive species

In some regions, such as parts of the United States and Canada, Tanacetum vulgare is considered an invasive species. It is a hardy plant that easily outcompetes native species, leading to a reduction in biodiversity.

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