Plant Details

Tanecetum vulgare

Tansy, Common tansy, Golden Buttons, Curly Leaf Tansy

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Tanecetum vulgare.

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Common names

6 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Common tansy
  • Curly Leaf Tansy
  • Golden Buttons
+1 more nameShow fewer names
  • Tansy
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Boerenwormkruid
French
  • Tanaisie commune
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Tanecetum vulgare
Reviewed spelling (Kew): Tanacetum vulgare L. View name reference ↗

The catalogue spelling Tanecetum is interpreted as Tanacetum using its original source link and Tansy common name. Kew and NC State document Tanacetum vulgare. This is an editorial spelling interpretation, not acceptance of the misspelling.

Sources [2] [3]
Botanical family: Asteraceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Tanacetum (WCVP v16). This genus reference retains the original catalogue name above.

Sources [1]
Also known as: Tansy, Common tansy, Golden Buttons, Curly Leaf Tansy

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Growth rate: Fast
Foliage: None

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 3-9
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Flowers, Condiment, Tea
Edibility rating:
(2)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
Dye, Essential oil, Insecticide, Repellent, Bee forage, Fragrant

Description

Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and are suitable for adding to salads. The plant can also serve as a seasoning, as a substitute for nutmeg and cinnamon. The flowers have a unique flavor and can be eaten or used as a garnish. Tea can be made from the leaves and flowering stems, which has a bitter but lemon-like taste.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 15/07
Harvest ends: 15/09

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 557201; name ID 3133920; Tanacetum L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Tanacetum vulgare L.
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Name heading and taxonomic status; The catalogue spelling Tanecetum is interpreted as Tanacetum using its original source link and Tansy common name. Kew and NC State document Tanacetum vulgare. This is an editorial spelling interpretation, not acceptance of the misspelling.

    Source checked on .

  3. NC State Extension Tanacetum vulgare
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Taxonomic synonyms or horticultural name section. The catalogue spelling Tanecetum is interpreted as Tanacetum using its original source link and Tansy common name. Kew and NC State document Tanacetum vulgare. This is an editorial spelling interpretation, not acceptance of the misspelling.

    Source checked on .