Yarrow
Description
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L., Asteraceae) is a perennial plant in the
Daisy family that grows to 1 m. It has feathery leaves finely divided into tiny leaflets that are covered with silky hairs, as are the stems. Yarrow has whitish flowers in a flat-topped inflorescence at the ends of the stems, and blooms from June to November. Each flower has 5 petal-like rays and 10-30 disk florets.
Historyand Uses
Yarrow has been used since classical times and its scientific name Achillea comes from the god Achilles who is said to have used it to stop bleeding in warriors wounded in the Battle of Troy.
North American First Nations used yarrow as a cure for headaches and nosebleeds, as a treatment for skin rashes, swellings and cuts, for colds and to relieve diarrhea. It was used as a ceremonial smoke, as snuff, and as a substitute for hops in beer.
Today Achillea is used internally for fevers and colds, as an antispasmodic for menstrual pain and digestive complaints, and as a pain reliever. It is used externally on cuts to stop bleeding and promote healing, and as a hair rinse to brighten and strengthen blonde hair. It is also used as a companion plant in gardening to repel insects, and is in demand for aromatherapy and dried flower arranging.
Area of Adaptation
Yarrow grows best in open sunny areas, and is found in fields and along roadsides throughout the province. It is very common in disturbed sites. It prefers a moderately rich, well-drained acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 - 7.0. It needs full sun and is drought resistant. Its natural distribution includes almost all of Canada (in Manitoba at least as far north as Churchill), southward into Mexico, and Eurasia.