This perennial herb from the sunflower family is native to Europe and Eurasia. The plant has distinct finely divided, alternating compound leaves and yellow, button-like flowers. It is a tall plant that branches near the top. Tansy gives off a scent similar to camphor with hints of rosemary. The leaves and flowers are toxic if consumed in large quantities, and the effects are convulsions and liver and brain damage. Despite all that, tansy has a long history of medicinal use.
It was first introduced to North America for use in folk remedies and as an ornamental plant. Grazing animals know to avoid the plant, but it will degrade land destined for livestock. Human consumption of tansy, in small doses, has been practiced for centuries with few ill effects, yet the toxic properties of the plants are cumulative. Also, hand pulling of tansy has been reported to cause illness in some individuals, suggesting toxins may be absorbed through the skin.
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