Tansy is a member of the daisy family distinguished by its yellow button-like flower heads. Also known as Golden Buttons and Cow Bitter, tansy was first cultivated by the ancient Greeks and later became a common botanical in Medieval monastery gardens.
Although the herb was once used in cooking and to flavor liquors, the presence of thujone and other volatile oils poses a risk of toxicity. However, these compounds also make tansy an effective organic pesticide. Use caution when handling and avoid direct exposure to small children and pets.