Description ⁴

Common Tansy is an attractive robust perennial plant that grows up to 150 cm tall and forms flat-topped heads of bright yellow, button-like flowers. The plant emits a strong pungent smell when crushed. It is mildly toxic. It grows well in full sun and usually in disturbed sites such as roadsides, riverbanks and beaches. It is considered a noxious weed in some areas of BC, Alberta, and Washington.

Range in Yukon ⁴

Presently known from Whitehorse, Marsh Lake, Kathleen Lake and the Alaska, Klondike, and Robert Campbell highways. It is becoming popular as a hardy garden plant.

Similar Species ⁴

Lake Huron Tansy (Tanacetum bipinnatum) is a native species mainly known from the Porcupine and Yukon rivers (down river of Dawson City). It grows 60 cm tall and has 2-4 heads.

Ecological Impact ⁴

Common Tansy can grow along ditches and streams and restrict water flow. The plant is somewhat poisonous to humans and livestock.

Control ⁴

All known Yukon infestations have been small and have been controlled by pulling; larger plants may have to be dug up. The seeds of Common Tansy continue to mature after pulling. You may put plants into clear garbage bags and then leave them in the sun to kill off the plants and roast the seeds. Herbicide control may be required in large populations. When dealing with this plant, protective clothing should be worn to keep the plants toxins off the skin.

For more information visit: Yukon Invasive Species Council

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/74738817@N07/29511704706/
2. (c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/74738817@N07/31664273484/
3. (c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/74738817@N07/27752418912/
4. (c) L.G. Johanson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

• iNaturalist.ca taxon page
• African Plants - a photo guide
• Atlas of Living Australia
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• Calflora
• CalPhotos
• eFloras.org
• Flora Digital de Portugal
• Flora of North America (beta)
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• Go Botany
• HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants
• IPNI (with links to POWO, WFO, and BHL)
• Jepson eFlora
• Maryland Biodiversity Project
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0
• NBN Atlas
• New Zealand Plant Conservation Network
• OregonFlora.org
• SEINet Symbiota portals
• Tropicos
• USDA PLANTS database
• VASCAN by Canadensys
• World Flora Online
• 日本のレッドデータ検索システム
• 植物和名−学名インデックス YList

Range Map

(c) NatureServe, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)

iNaturalist.ca Map