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Invasive Plants
- Perennial Sow Thistle
- Creeping Thistle
- Oxeye Daisy
- Common Tansy
- Spotted Knapweed
- Narrowleaf Hawksbeard
- Scentless Chamomile
- Leafy Spurge
- Foxtail Barley
- Altai Wild Rye
- Crested Wheat Grass
- Smooth Brome
- Quackgrass
- Reed Canary Grass
- Bird Vetch
- Lucerne
- Sweetclover
- Greater Butter-and-Eggs
- Dalmatica Toadflas
Common Tansy
Common Name: Common Tansy
Scientific Name: Tanacetum vulgare
Family: Asteraceae
Description
Common Tansy is an attractive robust perennial plant that grows in clusters and forms flat-topped heads of bright yellow, button-like flowers. The plant emits a strong pungent smell when crushed. It is mildly toxic. It grows well in full sun and usually in disturbed sites such as roadsides, riverbanks and beaches. It is considered a noxious weed in some areas of BC and Washington.
Range in Yukon
Presently known from Whitehorse, Marsh Lake, Kathleen Lake and the Alaska and Robert Campbell highways. It is beginning to be used as a hardy garden plant.
Similar Species
Lake Huron tansy (Tanacetum bipinnatum) is a native species mainly known from the Porcupine and Yukon rivers (down river of Dawson City). It grows 60 cm tall and has 2-4 heads.
Ecological Impact
Common Tansy can grow along ditches and streams and restrict water flow. The plant is somewhat poisonous to humans and livestock.
Control
All known Yukon infestations have been small and have been controlled by pulling; larger plants may have to be dug up. The seeds of tansy continue to mature after pulling. You may put plants into clear garbage bags and then leave them in the sun to kill off the plants and roast the seeds. Herbicide control may be required in large populations. When dealing with this plant, protective clothing should be worn to keep the plants toxins of the skin.
Contact Environment Yukon Government of Yukon Box 2703 (V-5N) Bruce Bennett, Wildlife Viewing Biologist Phone: 867-667-5331 Email: bruce.bennett@gov.yk.ca |