Tansy

An old world medicinal. The aromatic fern-like leaves were used for purifying a room, flavoring food and beer, repelling insects, as a green dye plant and as a folk remedy for worms. Considered toxic in large doses, internal use is not recommended in modern herbalism, but this opinion is based on ingesting concentrated extracts rather than the fresh spring leaves. A traditional plant for an old world herb garden, it makes a striking back border accent growing up to 5 feet tall with large flat clusters of gold button flowers. Very hardy perennial. Lkes full sun and is very drought tolerant, once established. Volunteers freely. Hardy to zones 4-8.