Common Tansy
Description
- A perennial plant with multiple stems that grow from a clump, giving the plant a shrub-like appearance.
- Emits a strong odor when plant parts are crushed.
- Grows 3-4 feet tall; can reach 6 feet tall.
- Stems are reddish-brown and support the distinctive alternate leaves that are finely divided with a fern-like appearance.
- Flowers are yellow and button-like, arranged in flat-topped clusters at the stem tips. Flowering occurs mid-July to September.
- Brown seed heads persist until spring.
- Reproduces by both seeds and rhizomes, forming dense stands.
Habitat
Found growing in a wide range of habitats. Typically infests disturbed habitats and is commonly found along roadsides, trails, natural areas, pastures, forest and field margins, mining areas, and unmaintained gravel pits.