Tansyleaf Tansyaster (Machaeranthera tanacetifolia)

Also known as: Tansy Aster, Tahoka Daisy

The annual wildflower you're thinking of is the Tansyleaf Tansyaster (Machaeranthera tanacetifolia). This North American native blooms with vibrant purple flowers each spring, often covering roadsides and fields. Thanks to its extensive root system, it's frequently utilized in erosion control. Burpee Seed has been offering seeds of this beautiful plant for more than 140 years.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Tansyleaf Tansyaster

Lifespan

Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

23 cm to 30 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue Gray Silver

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Purple Yellow Lavender

Images of Tansyleaf Tansyaster

Quickly Identify Tansyleaf Tansyaster

To identify Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, look for its finely divided leaves resembling those of tansy and its daisy-like purple flowers with yellow centers. The plant has a bushy habit and is often found in dry, open places.

Scientific Classification of Tansyleaf Tansyaster

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asterales

Family

Daisy

Genus

Tansyaster

Species

Tansyleaf Tansyaster

Planting and Growing of Tansyleaf Tansyaster

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

8-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Tansyleaf Tansyaster?

Machaeranthera tanacetifolia prefers a moderate watering approach. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Generally, about 300 milliliters of water is ideal per watering session. The water should reach the root zone thoroughly while ensuring that the topsoil dries out slightly between waterings.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Tansyleaf Tansyaster? ›

What should I do if my Tansyleaf Tansyaster is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Tansyleaf Tansyaster? ›

How to save an overwatered Tansyleaf Tansyaster? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Tansyleaf Tansyaster?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Prefers full sunlight for most, if not the entire day. Ideal light encourages abundant flowering and prevents fungal infestations, critical for a healthy life cycle.

How much sunlight does it need? ›

Where should I place it? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Tansyleaf Tansyaster?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Machaeranthera tanacetifolia is between 65°F to 75°F. This range provides optimal conditions for its physiological processes, ensuring healthy growth and robust flowering. Maintaining temperatures within this range helps in promoting metabolic activities that are crucial for the plant's survival and ornamental display.

What Soil is Best for Tansyleaf Tansyaster?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

This plant thrives in soil that offers excellent drainage, preventing root rot and other water-related issues. Ensuring good drainage increases the plant's longevity and resilience. The soil should have moderate fertility, providing adequate nutrients without excessive richness. This balance supports healthy growth and vibrant blooms, keeping the plant robust. A light soil texture aids root development and nutrient uptake, allowing Machaeranthera tanacetifolia to establish strong root systems. This leads to healthier and more abundant flowering.

How to Fertilize Tansyleaf Tansyaster?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply about 1/4 cup per plant once every two weeks during the growing season. Slow-release granular fertilizer can be used sparingly, around 2 teaspoons per plant at the start of the growing season.

How to Prune Tansyleaf Tansyaster?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Inspect the plant first for any stems that appear brown, shriveled, or diseased. These should be cut back to the base or until you reach healthy tissue, encouraging new growth. Trim excess growth to shape your plant. Focus on maintaining a rounded and balanced aesthetic. This not only improves appearance but ensures even sunlight exposure. Throughout the growing season, focus on removing spent flowers and any crossing or conflicting branches. This type of pruning helps in maintaining airflow and light penetration. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Tansyleaf Tansyaster plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Fill a seed tray with a well-draining potting mix, leaving a small space at the top for watering. The mix should be lightly moistened before sowing the seeds. This helps create an optimal environment for the seeds to germinate.

Sprinkle the seeds evenly across the tray's surface, then cover them with a thin layer of potting mix. Seeds should not be buried too deeply, as this can impede germination. A light covering allows sunlight to reach the seeds, which can be beneficial for some species.

Place the tray in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist by gently misting it with a spray bottle. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to damping-off, a common fungal issue in seedlings.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Tansyleaf Tansyaster plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

To determine when to repot Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, look for signs such as roots growing out of the drainage holes, slowed growth, or the plant becoming too top-heavy. These signals suggest it's time to provide more space and nutrients, typically during Spring or Summer for optimal growth conditions.

Choose a new pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. It should have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. A slightly larger pot helps to give the roots room to expand, which promotes healthier growth and prevents root rot.

For Machaeranthera tanacetifolia, select a well-draining sandy soil mix. This type of soil prevents water from lingering around the roots, which is crucial for avoiding root rot and mimicking the plant's natural habitat.