Yarrow is aboriginal to most of the Northern Hemisphere and has been introduced into Australia and other area where it has widely been used to feast farm animal . Commonly find on roadsides and open fields , this herbaceous perennial can also be pick out in landscape painting designs , as borderline plants along walkway and in medicinal herb garden .
We memorize much about this useful industrial plant by studying its name . The Latin binomial for yarrow isAchillea millefolium . The genus , Achillea , comes from the Greek character Achilles and news report of how he would use this herbaceous plant to address the battle wounds of his soldiers .
In fact , the herbaceous plant ’s leaf is considered both antiseptic and styptic . These trait that would support the herb ’s beneficial timbre referred to in the Achilles caption .
Yarrow was used in a similar manner during the American Civil War . On battlefields , it earned the nickname “ woundwort . ”
The specific epithet , millefolium , which means “ a thousand leaves , ” accurately describes the feather - like appearing of Achillea millefolium ’s leaf . In fact , in some Spanish - speaking areas of the reality , the herbaceous plant is known as “ plumajillo . ” This translates to “ small feather . ”
In the Landscape
The herbaceous plant make a marvellous improver to any garden or landscape painting . The distinctive raging yarrow boasts full white flower during peak summer months . These efflorescence are have upon tumid , minute stanch that reach up to 3 feet or more in height .
There are numerous cultivars available from local nurseries . They extend a wide range of available blossom colors admit pinks , red , yellows and oranges . Many of these strikingly colorful yarrow varieties have even been recipients of the Royal Horticultural Society ’s Award of Garden Merit .
Incorporate milfoil into your landscape anywhere you need a explosion of coloring . Utilize its tall , narrow stems as a vertical constituent to add balance and form to your garden beds .
interpret more : You should also consider comfrey for your herbaceous plant garden . Here ’s why .
In the Apothecary
As mentioned above , yarrow has a story of topical exercise for plow wound . Consider crafting a salve from your harvest to use on cut , scratch , contusion and other attrition .
( memorise more about how to craft an herbal salve in my book , The Artisan Herbalist . )
Simply masticate up a yarrow foliage and employ it as a natural set - aid if you call for a small first aid in the garden ! The masticated folio will assist stop bleeding and disinfect your injury .
A tea leaf brewed from the flowers and leaves of yarrow is useful in relieving digestive complaints . It may also work as a sleep aid . stress blend with chamomile prime for a sleepy - prison term afternoon tea !
In the Kitchen
Although not popular as a veg , Achillea millefolium is sure comestible . Some folks draw its flavor as grassy . But others may regain it too astringent to be toothsome .
you’re able to add it to salads or cook in hustle fry . Most commonly , though , you ’ll find it in herbal afternoon tea .
Before the widespread use of hops , yarrow was include in the portmanteau of herbs used to season beer . In the Middle Ages , this herbaceous plant blend and the leave drinkable , was known asgruit .
While not as common as it once was , gruitis attain a bit of a comeback . You may even find it offered at a local microbrewery .
Read more : Home brewing your own beer is the perfect hobby for last out in .
Growing Yarrow
Yarrow is quite drouth tolerant . Once prove in your garden , it will boom for year .
A repeated herb , yarrow spreads by hugger-mugger rhizomes . Bunches should be split every few years to further healthy growth .
If growing yarrow from seed , think of that germination rate are high in strong temperature , around 70 degrees F. The seeded player also need sparkle , so gently cover them with 1/4 inch of filth or less when engraft .
And keep the seedbed moist . Yarrow prefers well - drained filth and full sun , but it will do OK in partial refinement as well .
Butterflies and other good insects for certain enjoy Achillea millefolium . And once you try adding some to your garden , I ’m sure you ’ll love it too !
