Yarrow

Yarrow

Adobe Stock

 

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Common Names: Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Milfoil
Family: Asteraceae
Flowering Season (Bryce Region): April - October
Size: 8 to 40 inches (0.2-1 meter) in height
Range: Throughout North America, Europe and Asia

General Description

An erect, perennial plant with several stems and leaves evenly distributed along these stems. These leaves are 2 to 8 inches long (5-20 cm) with varying levels of hairiness. Yarrow has flat-topped or dome-shaped clusters of small white flowers and the plant can reach about 3 feet in height. Fine, feathery-cut leaves give the plant a soft appearance. This plant has a strong, sweet scent that is similar to that of chrysanthemums.

Habitat

Widespread, growing everywhere from sea level up to 11,500 feet, from the coast to the alpine zone. Commonly found in the mildly disturbed soil of grasslands and open forests.

Plant Lore

Many Native American nations commonly use Yarrow for everything from reducing pain and aiding sleep to healing cuts and abrasions. The Navajo consider it a "life medicine" and chew it to alleviate toothaches whereas the Miwok use the plant as an analgesic and head cold remedy.

The genus Achillea was named after Achilles, who used plant extracts to treat soldiers’ wounds in the battle of Troy. The name milfoil comes from its Latin name “millefolium” meaning “a thousand leaves”.

Further Reading

U.S. Forest Service - Common Yarrow