Yarrow is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant can survive in different habitats like forests, meadows, grasslands, mountains, coastal areas and even deserts. This plant reproduces quickly and easily occupies new habitats. Yarrow is a perennial herb botanically known as Achillea millefolium and is related to chrysanthemums and chamomile. Yarrow is grown primarily for its healing properties and as an ornamental plant. In addition, yarrow is useful in the garden and can be used to prevent erosion.
Yarrow has small, antler-shaped leaves growing along its thin, light green stems creating a feathery appearance.
Yarrow has one or more stems that can reach 0.66 to 3.28 feet in height.
Yarrow is a soft herb, like tarragon.
Yarrow has feathery leaves that are usually 2 to 8 inches long. Leaves are covered with tiny hairs and spirally arranged on a stem.
The herb has a strong licorice-like aroma with a sweet flavor and a somewhat bitter and astringent finish.
Yarrow develops miniature white, reddish or pink flowers arranged in terminal inflorescences, shaped like rounded or flat heads. They are usually 2 to 4 inches wide. Flowers smell like chrysanthemum. Yarrow blooms from May to June. Flowers attract butterflies, ladybugs and hoverflies.
The strong aroma remains even when Yarrow is dried.
Yarrow produces nut-like fruit called achene which contains one seed.
The plant blooms in the late summer with small white flowers, reminiscent of tiny, flattened daisies.
Yarrow can be propagated via seed and parts of the stem.
The entire plant is edible, and it is said the leaves are best harvested when the plant is in bloom.
Scientific name for the yarrow is Achillea millefolium. Plant is named after Greek’s hero Achilles, who used yarrow to treat battle wounds of his soldiers.
Yarrow is available in the summer months.
Yarrow is also known as carpenter’s weed because carpenters often use it to stop the bleeding from the wounds and cuts that are inevitable part of their work.
Yarrow contains flavonoids that aid in digestion by increasing saliva and acids in the stomach.
Yarrow was used as food in the 17th century. Leaves were prepared and consumed like spinach. Yarrow was also used as an ingredient of soups.
The herb is used as an astringent and as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of arthritis.
Synonym for yarrow is “Poor man’s pepper” because it has bitter and pungent taste. It even alters the taste of cow’s milk when cow eats too much yarrow.
Over consumption of Yarrow may cause skin irritation.
Combination of yarrow, marsh rosemary and sweet gale was used for the production of beer known as gruit ale during the medieval times.
In Sweden, Yarrow is often used to flavor beer, as a substitute for hops.
Essential oils extracted from yarrow are often used in treatment of influenza and common cold. These oils need to be taken with caution because they may trigger severe allergic reactions on the skin and even induce miscarriage in pregnant women.
Yarrow can be used in meat and vegetable marinades.
Yarrow can be used in a treatment of rheumatism, toothache and sore throat. It also stimulates circulation, regulates menstrual cycle and eliminates excess water from the body.
The Greeks employed the Yarrow as a fever-reducer and to inspire perspiration.
Yarrow is beneficial for the gardeners because it improves quality of the soil and repels certain types of insects or pests.
An essential oil is made from Yarrow flowers that is used to flavor sodas.
Birds such as common starling use yarrow when they build nests. Nests made of yarrow do not contain parasites.
Yarrow is known by many common names, including Soldier’s Woundwort, Devil’s nettle, Bloodwort, Knight’s Milfoil, and Herbe Militaris.
Yarrow is perennial plant which means that it can survive more than two years in the wild.
