Tansy Flower

The Tansy is a flower that grows on a herbaceous, perennial plant (Tanacetum Vulgare). The genus of the plant is Tanacetum, and the flower belongs to the family of asters. These are native to the temperate regions of Asia and Europe. The Tansy also grows in different parts of the world, other than Europe and Asia, particularly in North America, introduced there artificially. In some areas, this plant and its flowers take on an invasive quality. The Tansy, referred to by different nomenclature, is often called “common tansy”, “golden buttons”, or “bitter buttons”. In Latin, the word “Vulgare” represents “common”.

The antecedents of the plant date back to when the Ancient Greeks cultivated the herb for medicinal use. By the 8th century, the Tansy gained importance as a necessary health-inducing plant to have in any garden. You could find Tansies in the lush gardens of Charlemagne. Conspicuously, the Benedictine monks in Swiss monasteries grew Tansies in abundance. Tansies, used for all kinds of ailments from rheumatism and intestinal works, to digestive disorders, sores and fever, were always popular. In the Medieval Period, potent Tansy doses were administered to produce abortions. Surprisingly, the opposite was also true as the flowers were used to increase fertility. It was all about the dosage of the herb administered.

What Do Tansy Flowers Symbolize?

Although the flower is toxic in nature, it has its uses as a medicinal herb in many cultures. However, the toxicity of the Tansy occurs if consumed in large quantities. In spite of this, Tansy flower meaning is important to note. From early periods, the flower has roots in the belief of immortality. Any representation of immortality and related concepts, such as protection, resistance, health, ever-lasting youth, etc., are symbolic of the Tansy flower. This is characteristically when the flower is frequently given as a gift to denote the hope for sound health and happiness. On the other hand, the flower has a toxic quality, by its natural composition. This may represent something akin to hostility. If the flower is displayed in some contexts, it could denote an act of war.

What Do the Various Colors of the Tansy Flower Mean?

In most respects, Tansy flowers grow on a plant and resemble yellow buttons. The stems of flowers are stout, and the flowers, although stubby in appearance, have a distinctive appeal. Appearing in several shades of yellow, from dark to light, the Tansy flower meaning is often derived from the color gold that is so evident when you view the flower. At first sight, a throng of Tansies looks like a bunch of gold baubles. This is why the positive symbolism of a Tansy exists, as something that is precious and protective.

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There are close to 150 varieties of Tansy flowers, but the colors do not vary much. Most Tansies, found in shades of yellow, may be a brighter yellow than others, and these look more like gold. If viewed in the bright light of the sun, they give off a luminescence that resembles the shine of a gold ornament. Recently, there has been some news about Blue Tansy Oil. This is an essential oil that is generated from the “Blue Tansy”. However, the Tansy is not blue, but yellow. It is the oil that is derived from it which is blue. This oil, created from a cultivar of Tansies grown in Morocco, is used to treat a number of skin conditions like acne. It comes from Moroccan Tansies that are yellow with a white fluff over petals.

Interesting Facts and Characteristics of the Tansy Flower

Besides the Tansy flower meaning, there is a lot to know about this flower. Interesting and unique facts shed light on its appeal and popularity all over the world. Here are some things about Tansies that may enthrall you:

  • The “Blue Tansy Oil”, used by practitioners of aromatherapy, has a calming effect on the body.
  • Essential oils, made from many varieties of Tansy flowers, have different health benefits and are extremely costly to buy.
  • Although the Tansy flower grows wild in most habitats, the resultant herbs and oils sold for commercial use are globally exported. These herbs are expensive when sold commercially.
  • The Tansy flower is a robust flower and plants may grow in fields, disturbed soil, dumps, roadsides and even in ditches.
  • In some countries, Tansies are weeds, and since they grow wild and free, they are destroyed.
  • Handling Tansies in their natural from may cause skin irritation, so you must wear gloves.
  • Tansy plants grow tall, anywhere from 1 to 5 feet.
  • Tansies are most toxic to all groups of livestock, but more so to horses and cattle.
  • The aroma of the Tansy is a blend of rosemary and camphor.
  • The “immortality” symbolism of the Tansy represents the fact that the flower itself has a long life when left to grow in the wild.

Best Time to Gift Someone Tansy Flowers

As plants that contain Tansies are poisonous, the best time to gift Tansies may not be any time at all. However, Tansies may be gifted to keep out other pests, like mosquitoes and roaches, in case these are causing an infestation in a normally healthy garden. Due to Tansy flower meaning, Tansies are frequently used for gifting and are thought to be of historical value when given as a gift. They are perennial and can be given at any time of the year. Individuals may love to have Tansies in gardens, to fill in gaps between main flowering plants. Nonetheless, while planting Tansies, be careful, as these can cause an invasive effect for other plants.

Tansies grow in sunlight and require only a little shade. They make a good gift for anyone who isn’t a professional green thumb. These plants can grow in any soil, clay, loamy or poor sandy soil. Tansies can be cut into the fashion of a low-bearing hedge, and they make a nice surrounding fence or partition in a garden. If grown to full length, Tansies lean well against a fence or high wall and can enhance the look of any garden.