Yarrow - Achillea millefolium
Irish name - Athair thaln
Daisy family - Asteraceae (formally Compositae)
Yarrow is a wildflower found throughout Northern Ireland in grasslands. It is rich in folklore and consequently is known by several different names. The first part of its botanical name Achillea is derived from the belief that Achilles used Yarrow to treat the wounds of his soldiers injured during battle. A direct translation of millefolium, the second or species part of its botanical name, is Thousand Weed, another frequently used name, which refers to the many slits on each leaf giving the plant the appearance of having thousands of leaves. Among the other many names this flower has includes Nose Bleed as it both suppresses and can cause a nose bleed, Devil’s Plaything, as in olden days this plant was dedicated to ‘The evil one’ and was used in many spells. In Wales, Yarrow has been known as the Death Flower and was considered a token of death if brought into the house.
Yarrow flowers are white, cream or very pale lilac in colour and are in bloom from June to September, sometimes if the weather is mild Yarrow flowers can still be seen in late October and into early November. The flower head consists of many small daisy like flowers clustered together in an umbrella shape and are pollinated by insects. The stem is rough and furrowed with white downy hairs. The distinctive leaves branch from the stem alternately, and are bipinnatifid in form (leaves fold in on themselves twice) giving them their characteristic millefolium (or many leaf) appearance.
This native wildflower has an impressive list of beneficial properties and all parts of the plant can be used in one form or another. Yarrow is renowned for its healing properties. As well as helping wounds to clot it is also an astringent. It is still used today in ointments to treat wounds. It appears to both cause and stem nose bleeds. Although this cannot be recommended, it was used in days gone by to cause a nosebleed to relieve headaches. It is well known as a remedy for severe colds when prepared as a tea as it opens pores, promoted sweating and supposedly purifies the blood. Yarrow is also used as snuff and a tobacco substitute.
It is important to note that there are dangers recognised with the use of Yarrow. Prolonged use of this plant as a tea is known to cause light sensitivity affecting both the skin and eyes. Pregnant women in particular should not drink Yarrow tea and as with all herbal remedies a specialist should always be consulted especially with regard to doses.
In addition to the plants beneficial medical properties, it is also noted for its ability to prevent disease when planted and may be useful as a green manure.
Propagation
From seed
Yarrow can be grown from seed but requires a period of cold to germinate. In late January or very early February, cast the seeds finely in a seed tray containing peat free compost. The seeds are very small and so should be covered only by a very thin layer of soil. When the seeds have germinated and a small rosette of leaves has formed, transplant individual plants into small pots to grow on before planting out in late spring.
The following grow in similar habitats (alphabetical by common name)
- Bladder Campion
- Common Dog Violet
- Cuckooflower
- Devil's-bit Scabious
- Field Scabious
- Goat's-beard
- Harebell
- Knapweed
- Lady's Bedstraw
- Meadowsweet
- Ox-eye Daisy
- Primrose
- Self-heal
- Teasel
Permission from the landowner - and, if the site holds any kind of designation, from Environment & Heritage Service too - must be sought before collecting plant material (including seeds).