Tansy is native, though distinguishing true native plants from naturalised ancient and modern garden escapes is now impossible. The history of its cultivation goes back to the ancient Greeks, continuing over the centuries for one simple reason - it was useful. The name links to the Greek word for immortality “Athanasia”, perhaps a reference to how the flowers retain colour and form when dried or its use in embalming and meat preservation. Leaves would be rubbed on meat to repel flies, or strewn in the house to deter ants, fleas and other unwanted bugs. It is also a source of a yellow dye.
Gerard in the 16th Century described it as “necessary for a garden” Used as a companion plant, it attracts pollinators to its nectar but the aromatic leaves deter many unwanted pests.
Medicinally, Tansy “tea” was a common treatment for worms. High doses used to provoke abortions could sadly cause the death of both foetus and mother as Tansy oil is extremely toxic and the amount in a plant unpredictable. Sue Perkins found this out to her cost becoming ill after eating a tansy recipe in the BBC Programme Supersizers go Restoration.
Despite its toxicity Tansy often features in old English cookbooks (not recommended now). Tansies, a sort of pancake/omelette made from the juice from young leaves and eggs were as integral to Easter celebrations as chocolate eggs are today. The Tansy component helped soothe gastric symptoms from the Lent diet of mainly fish and pulses, the bitterness of the herb a symbolic link to the “bitter herbs” of the Jewish Passover meal. Tansy - forgotten medieval Easter pancake
The spicy flavour made a useful substitute for more expensive spices in sweet and savoury dishes and patches of Tansy in Scotland are said to be signs of a ghost Croft from times past.
These bright yellow beauties, with the lovely common name of yellow buttons were growing on the verge from the school crossroad towards Lucknam main gates. Sadly the flower heads have all been cut off, perhaps mistaken for ragwort. There is still a patch on the dangerous C151 verge but perhaps make do with the photos and look out for it next year. It will be back! In gardens it needs to be kept in check as it spreads from roots as well as seeds.