Common Yarrow, or
Achillea Millefolium, is a shrubby like perennial with 1"-2" tall stalks of flat-topped flower clusters in summer.
The plant was first described for science by the great Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in his monumental Species Plantarumin 1753. Millefolium coming from the Latin for 'thousand leaf', and Achillea from stories of Achilles treating the wounds of his soldiers with the plant. It is even mentioned in Homer's
Iliad
...and with warm water
wash away the black blood there, then rub on
fine soothing medication, whose use, they say,
Achilles taught you...
Not only are the flowers tall and showy, Yarrow is said to be beneficial to plants simply growing near it.
A few highlights:
- Drought tolerant
- Hardy perennial
- Bright sturdy blooms
- Nice long-lasting cut flower
- Blooms in heat of summer
- Pest resistant
Medicinal highlights as well! (Of course, some remedies require preparation of the plant)
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
- Use in cold and flu remedies as well as:
- Headaches
- Skin irritations/rashes
- Immediate wound treatment - helps stop bleeding
- Can lower certain fevers
- Can prevent infection in wounds
After all that...I'll be honest; I only have it for the flowers. The insects love the bright yellow blooms too, so we all win.
Maybe one day I'll get around to using it for cuts & scrapes, but it's hard to tear off pieces of flowering plants! Plus my yard still needs some serious help and color never hurts.
