Tansy-aster (Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, Gen. Sp. Aster.: 225 (1832))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Kunth) Nees

Bibliography: Gen. Sp. Aster.: 225 (1832)

Year: 1832

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Machaeranthera

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alberta to Mexico

Description

The Tansy-aster, scientifically known as Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, is a notable species within the family Asteraceae. This resilient plant, first documented in the early 19th century, has been recognized for its extensive geographical presence, ranging from the province of Alberta in Canada to the vast landscapes of Mexico.

The Tansy-aster exhibits the characteristic beauty and adaptability of the Aster family, thriving in a variety of environments. Its historical reference can be found in “Gen. Sp. Aster.: 225 (1832)”, reflecting its scientific importance and longstanding place in botanical studies. The esteemed botanist (Kunth) Nees was instrumental in its classification, contributing greatly to our understanding and appreciation of this species.

Machaeranthera tanacetifolia is celebrated not only for its ornamental value but also for its hardiness, allowing it to flourish across diverse regions and climatic conditions. The plant typically features a robust appearance with distinctive, daisy-like flowers that add a splash of color to natural and cultivated landscapes alike.

The expansive range of the Tansy-aster, from the northern prairies of Alberta to the warm terrains of Mexico, highlights its adaptability and ecological significance. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in gardens, Machaeranthera tanacetifolia continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and gardening enthusiasts. Its enduring presence across such a wide geographical expanse speaks to its ecological versatility and its integral role within the flora of North America.

Common Names

En: Tansy-aster, Tansy-leaf-aster, Tahoka daisy, Tanseyleaf tansyaster, TANSEYLEAF ASTER, TANSEYLEAF GOLDENWEED, Big purple tansyaster, Takhoka-daisy, Tansy-leaved aster, Tansy-leaved tansy-aster
Fi: Preeriamaarikki
Fr: Aster à feuilles de tanaisie
Sv: Prärieaster
Eng: tahoka daisy, takhoka-daisy, tanseyleaf aster, tanseyleaf goldenweed, tanseyleaf tansyaster, tansy-aster, tansy-leaf-aster, tansy-leaved aster, tansy-leaved tansy-aster
Swe: prärieaster
Fra: aster à feuilles de tanaisie

Synonyms

• Machaeranthera parthenium (Greene)
• Machaeranthera coronopifolia ((Nutt.) A.Nelson)
• Aster chrysanthemoides (Willd. ex Spreng.)
• Machaeranthera tanacetifolia var. bipinnatifida (Regel)
• Aster tanacetifolius (Kunth)
• Chrysopsis coronopifolia (Nutt.)
• Dieteria coronopifolia (Nutt.)
• Aster coronopifolia ((Nutt.) N.E.Br.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by karen sheffer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2011 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2014 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2022 by Harrison Clark (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Elfenbeinspecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Monty Ritchings (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Jack Pommer (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 18, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 27, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 27, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 2, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 23, 2014 by EOL − Richard Reynolds (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken May 3, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 27, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3095447)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1037598-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Machaeranthera tanacetifolia (Kunth) Nees)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 6.5