Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Common Names:
Yarrow, Woundwort, Milfoil, Staunchweed, Herbe Militaris, Arrowroot, Bad Man’s Plaything, Bloodwort, Carpenter’s Weed, Death Flower, Devil’s Nettle, Eerie, Field Hops, Gearwe, Hundred Leaved Grass, Knight’s Milefoil, Knyghten, Milefolium, Milfoil, Millefoil, Noble Yarrow, Nosebleed, Old Man’s Mustard, Old Man’s Pepper, Sanguinary, Seven Year’s Love, Snake’s Grass, Soldier, Soldier’s Woundwort, Stanchweed, Thousand Seal, Woundwort, Yarroway, Yerw.
Description:
Yarrow, scientifically known as Achillea millefolium, is often referred to as the herb of a million flowers due to its prolific foliage. This perennial herb, belonging to the Asteraceae family, features a rough, angular stem with long, dark-green, feathery leaves. The white or pale lilac flowers form an umbellifer-like cluster.
Habitat:
Found in grasslands, meadows, pastures, and along roadsides, Yarrow is a resilient herb that thrives in various environments.
Identification:
Yarrow is easy to identify with its feathery leaves, and it can be found in most grasslands. The plant flowers from June to October, resembling a member of the Apiaceae family despite belonging to the Daisy family.
Food Uses:
Yarrow's peppery foliage and bitter leaves and flowers add an aromatic flavor to salads. The leaves can be used in various dishes, such as soups and sauces, or simply boiled and simmered in butter. Flowering tops can be sprinkled on salads and dishes as a condiment or decoration.
Medicinal Uses:
Known as Herba militaris by the ancient Romans, Yarrow was used to stop bleeding from cuts and wounds. It earned the names soldiers’ woundwort and staunch grass due to its ability to staunch bleeding. In herbal medicine, Yarrow is valued as an astringent herb for treating scratches, cuts, wounds, and sores. Yarrow has also been used historically to staunch bleeding, and its salicylic acid content, which is the precursor to Aspirin, has been used to treat fevers.
Other Uses:
Dried Yarrow leaves were once used as a substitute for tobacco, and the plant has been associated with divining sticks in consultations with the I-Ching. Yarrow also has deep roots, making it useful for preventing soil erosion, and it is planted with grasses used for fodder due to its high mineral content.
Safety Notes:
Yarrow may cause skin irritation in some people, and caution is advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In rare cases, it can cause severe allergic skin rashes, and prolonged use may increase skin photosensitivity. Yarrow is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and hypersalivation. Pregnant and lactating individuals should use caution, as Yarrow has not been proven safe for these conditions.
Other Information:
Yarrow serves as a food source for insects, featuring a generalized pollination system. It is also recognized as a significant plant for preventing soil erosion.