What the heck?

susanapics · Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:34 am

One more plant I was hoping someone could identify.. I've typed every description into Google I can think of and haven't come up with it but there is a patch of it growing at the edge of my um.. meadow, soon to be renamed: "Chiggerland" (really, I'm kidding, the whole thing is quite wonderful. And wild

rainbowgardener · Sat Jul 14, 2012 2:42 am

Is it aromatic when you crush the leaves?

My computer has some glitches and won't open pictures up to full size, but I'm thinking maybe tansy?

[img]https://www.herbgarden.co.za/mountainherb/webherbfotos/big_TansyVar.Crispum.JPG[/img]

susanapics · Sat Jul 14, 2012 2:52 am

That's it! Thanks so much. It is aromatic but don't think I've ever encountered it before now.

rainbowgardener · Sat Jul 14, 2012 3:06 am

I always have some in my garden. When it blooms, it has cute little button flowers:

[img]https://www.ontariowildflower.com/images/tansy_flower.jpg[/img]

Being so aromatic, it is good insect repellant. Dry some leaves and scatter them around to help keep flies and ants away or in your cupboards to keep moths away. Plant some in with your veggies to help keep insects away, including Japanese beetles.

But be careful. It is invasive, spreads from the roots. I plant it in a pot and then just bury the pot, but still it tends to escape through the drain holes and I have to keep pulling it. And it can be toxic to animals that eat it.