Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Tanacetum macrophyllum
Rayed Tansy
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green, fern-like leaves
- Bloom time
- Mid to late summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate; prefers well-drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Pollinators like bees and butterflies
About this plant
Tanacetum macrophyllum, commonly known as Rayed Tansy, is a hardy perennial prized for its attractive, fern-like foliage and clusters of small, white, button-like flowers. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, this plant produces flat-topped clusters of densely packed flowers that provide a striking contrast against its deep green, deeply divided leaves. The aromatic foliage adds texture and visual interest to garden landscapes, while the flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, Tanacetum macrophyllum is part of the Asteraceae family, known for its resilience and versatility. Its bold, architectural presence and long-lasting blooms make it a valuable addition to perennial borders, cottage gardens, or naturalized areas, where it can bring both texture and color to the landscape.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
