Tansy, a Champ in any Garden

– By Chris Cohan –

Tansy is the single best attractor of beneficial insects to your garden. It is tough, undemanding and packed with herbal uses.

I first learned about the little plant that packs a knockout punch while visiting Hudson, N. Y., which was originally settled by Nantucket whalers during the Revolutionary War. Laid out on a grid pattern, Hudson was America's first planned city. During its boom years in the 19th century, wealth was displayed in a rich assortment of architecture along its main streets. The City fell on hard times and reached its nadir in the 1970s. Luckily, its extensive catalogue of architecture was preserved through poverty: there was no money for redevelopment. Now, it is one of the most well-preserved and intact collections of American vernacular architecture.

I traveled up to Hudson in the late '70s to see a friend, a battle-weary Marine who had returned from the Vietnam War. Bill had also been a boxer in the Marines. He was unassuming but the toughest guy I have ever met.

He took me for lunch to a tavern along the desolate waterfront. It was known for great hamburgers, cold beer and half-cleaned glasses. Two massive men came over to our table. They apologized for interrupting Bill's meal, spoke directly to him and completely ignored me. They asked him to stop by the gym and check out a young boxer. He was really something, they said.

That was the first time I saw Mike Tyson. He was a tight mass of muscle. He sort of smiled and looked around before getting in the ring. Once in, he was completely focused and worked his way through sparring partners. They wore protective gear but it was painful. Standing by the ring, I could almost feel his powerful punches which seemed to sink into his opponents.

Later, we went over to talk to this punching powerhouse. At the time he was unknown outside of the local area. He was friendly and with that now-famous shy voice bewildered me. This mad mountain of flesh talks like that? It can't be. I was amazed.

Bill talked shop with Mike while I just stood and listened. Then another guy came over with a friendly voice and said, “Mike how goes things with your girlfriend, Tansy? I hear she knocked you down.” Mike in his squeaky little voice replied, “Yeah, my Tansy ain't no pansy.”

That is how I first heard about Tansy. Tanacetum, the Latin name for Tansy, is a genus of about 70 species. Their flowers are button-like and similar to daisies, with extremely aromatic leaves. Some varieties can be invasive. However, they are great attractors of beneficial insects. This attribute alone makes them ideal additions to gardens. Tansy attracts lady beetles, praying mantis, and lacewings and bees.

Costmary/Tanacetum balsamita is an attractive plant that was once used as fragrant bookmarks, and given the common name of bible leaf. Feverfew/Tanacetum parthenium was described in old herbals as a remedy for headache and for reducing fever. Clinical research has supported its effectiveness in treating migraines.

Crispum Tansy/Tanacetum vulgare 'crispum' has clusters of yellow flowers in late summer and fall with finely cut leaves. It is less invasive than the species and works well as a back-of-the-border plant. 'Silver Lace' is similar but with white-variegated leaves that is an excellent addition to ornamental gardens.

Tansy are undemanding plants, which thrive in sun to partial shade with average soil. Add to vegetable gardens to ensure pollination and attraction of beneficial insects to reduce the need for pesticides. There are many interesting varieties to choose from — three-feet tall 'Brenda' with deep pink florets on erect stems that tower above feathery green leaves and nine-inch tall 'Tom Thumb' with white flowers that is great for edging.

Hudson has come back. Mike Tyson is gone and whether it is an extremely short or awkwardly lanky variety, Tansy is still a reigning champ.