Tansy

Tansy

Tansy can refer to any species of the genus Tanacetum (Asteraceae), but more usually means Tanacetum vulgare, sometimes called common tansy or garden tansy, while the other Tanacetum species always have some modifier in the name.

The name tansy is also sometimes given, improperly, (e.g. in the western United States) to ragwort, because in those areas ragwort is known as "tansy ragwort".

Tansy was formerly used as a flavoring for puddings and omelets, but that is almost unknown now. It has also been used as a medicinal herb. At one time it was planted next to kitchen doors to keep the ants out.