Yarrow Plant Wild Yarrow

This achillea is a somewhat spreading perennial with rich green feathery foliage and soft white, flat, flower heads with a bitter taste. The flowers have a tiny yellow eye of each individual flower and the small flowers are tightly packed together. The plant has a fragrance which is sweet and strong and could be said to be similar to chrysanthemums. They make good companion plants.

Apparently Starlings like to line their nests with Yarrow, it is said to stop the growth of parasites.

The flowers are well suited for cutting and the foliage is curiously aromatic when crushed.

Part of the daisy family. Other hybrid varieties are available (not from us) but they don't have the same medicinal uses.

Commonly found in Europe and Asia, but originated in America and Canada.

It is thought that wild yarrow was used to stop the bleeding of soldiers in the battle of Troy and got its name from Achillies, the hero of the Trojan Wars in Greek mythology.

Other names include gordaldo, nosebleed plant, old man's pepper, devil's nettle, sanguinary, milfoil, soldier's woundwort, thousand leaf, thousand seal.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

• Hardy perennial.
• Likes a full sun position, but will tolerate some shade.
• Need a free draining soil (on the dryer side).
• Prefers poor soils.
• Requires 18-24°C (64-75°F) to germinate
• Plant 18" (45 cm) apart.
• Can reach 3 feet (90 cm) tall.
• Flowers late Spring until Autumn.
• Annual mulch is recommended.
• Split every 3 - 5 years.
  
  
• Culinary Uses
• Tea
  
  
• Medicinal uses
• Can aid digestion.
• Can help stop bleeding.
• Can be used to help reduce toothache (as it draws out infection and toxins).
• Can be used to treat colds, flu and fevers (as it stimulates the immune system).
  
  
• Other Uses
• Make good cut flowers.
• Can be dried.
• Sometimes used as a preservative for beer.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.