Tansy’s generic name, Tanacetum, is from the Greek word athanasia, “immortality”; in times past, coffins were filled with tansy to preserve corpses precisely because the flowers do not wilt when dried. Tansy has numerous healing properties. 

​Tansy 

​(Tanacetum vulgare)

Perennial, 3-4 feet. The type has plain leaves, but the variety with curled leaves, formerly a favourite in cottage gardens, is far more attractive. Tansy is a rampant grower and should never be placed in a bed near less robust plants, for its long stolons are sent out in all directions. Increase by division in spring or autumn. Succeeds in any soil, and in full sun or part
shade.
Tansy’s generic name, Tanacetum, is from the Greek word athanasia, “immortality”; in times past, coffins were filled with tansy to preserve corpses precisely because the flowers do not wilt when dried.
Tansy was mentioned in writings as early as 5,000 BC. It reached its height of popularity in the Middle Ages.
The whole plant has a camphoraceous odor. The plant is cultivated today for the oil which is so powerful that its use is not recommended except by a medical practitioner. Used for thousands of years, until about the mid 19th century, as an embalming agent.
Tansy is still used by some cultures for culinary as well as medicinal purposes.
Tansy, a native of Europe, was one of the first plants brought to North America by European settlers; even before the Revolution it has escaped colonial gardens and was showing up along roadsides.
In old-time gardens, tansy was grown around peach trees as a preventative against insects.