DESCRIPTION
Product: Tansy Herb
Latin Name: Tanacetum vulgare syn. Tanacetum aubiderti, Chrysanthemum vulgare, Chrysanthemum tanacetum.
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Other Names: Common Tansy, Bitter Buttons, Bachelor’s Buttons, Cow Bitter, Golden Buttons, Tanaisie, Wurmkraut, Tanasia, Taneceto & Soglucan Otu.
Description: Tansy is an herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe that grows to a height of 50-150cm. The stems are erect and branch at the top, older stems have a reddish-purple tint, the leaves are alternate, 10–15ccm in length, pinnately lobed, consisting of 7-25 leaflets, the leaflets have deeply serrated ‘saw-tooth’ edges which give the leaves a fernlike appearance. The bright yellow flowers are 7-11mm in diameter and resemble flat topped buttons and are produced in terminal clusters.
SUGGESTED USE
The leaves and flowers can be added to sachets to help repel ants, fleas and moths; the plant is naturally rich in potassium making it a good addition to homemade compost. The leaves have been eaten in a dish called tansy pudding since the iron age, which was traditionally eaten in the spring time. Shades of green and yellow dyes can be obtained from the aerial parts of the plant dependant on the mordant used.
SHELF LIFE
Shelf life of two years provided that goods are stored in an airtight container in ambient conditions.