Yarrow

British Columbia Outdoor Wilderness Guide

Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is an aromatic, perennial herb that is thought of either as a weed or a flower; depending on what appeals to the individual. Yarrow grows anywhere from 10 cm. to 100 cm. in height.

LEAVES:: - Yarrow leaves grow on unbranched, stout stems; - finely divided as to look fern-like; - fuzzy; - when crushed have an unmistakable odor

FLOWERS:: - numerous small, scaly flowers comprise a head that can be 2-4 in. across; - the head is slightly rounded or flat; - the head includes white ray flowers and yellow disk flowers; appear to be white flowers with yellow centres; - ray flowers are usually white but can be reddish or pink; - Yarrow blooms June to August depending on location

FRUIT:: - produced by both ray and disk flowers; - flattened, nut-like with 1 seed

HABITAT:: - Yarrow grows in low to high elevations; - Yarrow can survive on dry or poor soils but also found in moist areas; meadows, roadsides, gravelly areas; - Yarrow appears throughout British Columbia.

FASCINATING FACTS:: - Yarrow is one of the most popular of herbs for use in herbal medicine; - many herbalists consider that if they were forced to choose only one native plant to use for multi purposes, it would be Yarrow; - Yarrow contains the alkaloid achilleine; occasionally used in present times to stop a menstrual cycle; - crushed roots were put on teeth to help toothaches, a tea from the leaves and stems was used to bathe in for those suffering from rheumatism, an astringent or tonic was also made from the yarrow; - to stop sore throats a concoction of all but the roots was gargled