TANACETUM. Tansy. Widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. These are annuals and perennials of the aster family, closely related to Chrysanthemum (You may find them listed under that genus in the next edition). The most noticeable feature of several species, including some California native perennials, is their aromatic, intricately divided leaves. The flower heads may be button shaped, with only disk flowers, or have the outer rays we associate with common daisies. They include plants useful for rock gardens, low borders, and ground cover. They thrive in a sunny site, with well drained soil and moderate to occasional watering. Those listed below should be hardy to 0^oF.

densum var. amani. Shrubby, with prostrate stems making a mat up to 2' broad. It has 1-2" leaves, oval in outline but deeply dissected, furry and greyish green in color. Small clusters of yellow flower heads dot the plant in midsummer. An attractive small-scale ground cover.

haradjanii. Also shrubby and spreading, a little larger than the last, with white-hairy stems and foliage. The leaves are up to 3" long. It bears clusters of rayless yellow flower heads in mid- to late summer. A striking plant for the dry border.

vulgaris ‘Crispum’. Golden buttons. This is a broad, dense mat, useful for ground cover though potentially invasive in the presence of less robust plants. It has a lush covering of deep green, finely dissected leaves, each up to 8" long. Flower heads are golden yellow and showy if produced; however, in coastal climates one often sees only vegetative growth. Probably not as drought tolerant as the others described above.