Tanacetum balsamita

👨‍🌾 GARDENING TIPS 👨‍🌾: Tanacetum balsamita

• • The best time to collect fresh leaves for infusions or other culinary uses is between March and October 
  • The best time to collect leaves for drying is in July (just before the plant begins to flower)
  • The fragrance is strongest in the morning – so collecting the leaves in the morning will allow you to extract more for less
  • Human consumption of common tansy has been practiced for centuries with few ill effects, yet the toxic properties of the plants are cumulative and long term consumption of large quantities has caused convulsions and even death.
    • • So please don’t eat too much of it.
  • Most species thrive in full sun and well-drained soil; some tolerate partial shade.
  • Regular pruning of spent flowers encourages bushy growth and prevents excessive self-seeding.
  • Companion planting potential: repels pests in vegetable gardens (e.g., aphids, ants) and attracts beneficial insects.
  • Because of their rhizomatous habit, containment may be necessary to prevent aggressive spreading.

👩‍🍳 COOKING AND DYING TIPS 👩‍🍳

While edible uses are limited due to thujone and other bitter compounds, several species of Tanacetum have historical applications in:

• • Culinary flavoring of bitters, liqueurs, or herbal teas (in very small amounts).

    • Tanacetum balsamita– Leaves have a strong, aromatic scent reminiscent of mint.
    • Tanacetum vulgare – add to liqueurs but sparingly

  • Folk medicine for digestive, menstrual, and parasitic ailments.

    • Tanacetum parthenium – used historically for cramps/migraine prevention because the leaves contain parthenolide

  • Dyeing: yellow and green tones can be obtained from leaves and flowers, sometimes enhanced with mordants like alum or iron salts.

    • Tanacetum vulgare – produces a strong yellow to greenish-yellow dye

Learn more about dying with Tansy:

• • ENG: Plant Dying with Tanacetum vulgare
  • FR: Reussir un Jaune Intense
    

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The Tales & The Botany : Tanacetum balsamita

The principal phytochemical contained in the leaves is carvone – the same that we can find in caraway seeds, fennel and dill.

It is said that :

• • Tanacetum balsamita was used as a bookmark in the Middle Ages specifically for the Bible to keep pages free from various moths.
  • If you rub a fresh leaf on a bee sting or horse fly bite, your pain will be relieved. To be tested …

In the sixteenth century it was considered to be “necessary for a garden” in England – a list compiled in or around 1525 by Thomas Fromond, a Surry landowner.

The plants were classified by species having a specific purpose or by species destined for a ‘sophisticated pleasure garden’.

It was grown in the garden of Charlemagne the Great in the eighth century and in the herb gardens of Swiss Benedictine monks as a treatment for intestinal worms, rheumatism, fevers and digestive problems.

As it is also known for its pest-repellent properties, Tansy can help protect your garden from certain pests including:

• • Aphids – Tansy’s strong aroma is a natural deterrent for aphids, which are commonly found on plants like roses, vegetables, and fruit trees.

  • Japanese Beetles/Ants/Caterpillars – especially those that are commonly found on plants or vegetables

  • Flies – Tansy has been historically used to keep flies at bay, especially in areas where food is stored or on animal pastures.

  • Moths – Known as the “moth plant,” Tansy’s leaves have been used to repel moths and protect stored goods like wool and fabrics

According to liquor historian A. J. Baime, in the 19th century Tennessee whiskey magnate Jack Daniel enjoyed drinking his own whiskey with sugar and crushed tansy leaf – I’ll confirm, it is quite tasty!

The flowers make a bright yellow dye for those who are keen home dyers 🙂

🌸 Floral Morphology