Growing Tansy: A Complete Profile

By Growing Home Greens Team · August 20, 2026

Tansy is an old cottage-garden and strewing herb that modern toxicology has largely retired from use.

Rated high toxicity

NC State Extension rates it high severity. It contains thujone, may cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis on handling, and excess consumption may cause convulsions or death. Horses, cattle and humans are all listed.

Historic culinary use is documented and is not something to revive. If you grow it, grow it as an ornamental.

Restricted in several states

Prohibited or restricted in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming and parts of Washington, and reported invasive in Maryland, Minnesota, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Check your own state before planting.

Growing it

One to five feet tall on a narrow nine to eighteen inch footprint, hardy zones 3 through 8, flowering July through September in full sun to partial shade. The flat clusters of gold button flowers dry well.

Deadhead before the seed scatters, and wear gloves when cutting it back.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, Tanacetum vulgare.

Companion planting guide for Tansy · Find your planting dates

Typically viable in USDA zones 3-8. Not sure your zone? Look it up by ZIP code.

Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Tansy doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.

See exact start-indoors, direct-sow, and harvest dates for your zone →

How many Tansy plants fit per square foot?

Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-5 ft.

Where to buy tansy seeds

• Botanical Interests
• True Leaf Market
• Burpee
• High Mowing Organic Seeds

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See it growing

Search YouTube for "growing tansy" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)

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Growing Tansy: Flat gold button flowers, high toxicity from thujone, and restricted or prohibited in several states.

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