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Common Tansy is a noxious weed which was introduced from Europe in the late 1600s for ornamental and medicinal uses. It has a very distinct smell and is toxic to livestock, except for sheet and goats who will eat it. It can also be toxic to humans if large quantities are consumed.
 Distinguishable by its pungent smell and fern-like appearance. - Leaves are arranged alternately up the stem and divided into numerous, narrow, individual leaves with toothed edges.
- Stems are semi-woody and reddish-purple near the bottom of the plant. They grow in a cluster, causing the plant to have a bush-like appearance.
- The weed has small, yellow, button-like flower heads which form in clusters.
- Each plant produces a different amount of flowers, ranging from 20 to 200 per plant.
- Height ranges from 30cm to 180cm.
- Seeds are yellowish-brown with short, five-toothed crowns.
- pastures
- rangelands
- croplands
- gravel pits
- waste areas
- roadsides
- shelterbelts
- creek banks
- disturbed areas
Common Tansy is a creeping perennial which begins growth in the early spring, while flowering occurs from June through September. This plant grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
Common Tansy reproduces primarily by seed. It also spreads by rhizomes, which are underground roots that run horizontally and shoot up new plants. Since livestock will not eat Common Tansy, it quickly out-competes desirable plants.
- The best control option for Common Tansy is to stop the plant from going to seed.
- Sheep and goats control the weed before it flowers.
- Small infestations can be hand dug, although you must be careful to remove the entire rooting system to ensure that no new shoots pop up.
- It can be mowed before the plant goes to seed, but this is not a very effective method as mowing will have to be done many times throughout the growing season to offer reasonable control.
- Many herbicides are available to control Common Tansy. The combination of any of these management methods along with herbicide is probably your best bet to get rid of this weed.
- Check your Crop Protection Guide for herbicide advice.
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