Yarrow, Western

True native Western wildflower in the U.S. It is an early successional species that readily establishes in disturbed sites. Recommended for adding species diversity to native seed mixtures for rehabilitation. Closely related to common Eurasian yarrow. Medicinally, it is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic and tonic. It’s a great herb for colds and flu, as a hot tea of its leaves and flowers induce sweating to reduce heat and toxins. Flowers and leaves are used in some liquors and bitters. Especially useful companion plant for attracting good predatory insects and for improving soil quality. Attracts ladybugs, hoverflies and predatory wasps. Essential oil kills mosquito larvae. In rare cases can cause allergic skin rashes, prolonged use can increase skin photosensitivity, triggered when wet skin contacts wet grass and yarrow together. Also known as Achillea millefolium lanulosa and Mountain Yarrow. Tags: Color: White.

Native to northern hemisphere, found in alpine meadows and disturbed soils. Genus Archillea is from the mythical Greek character Achilles who carried it with his army to treat battle wounds. Found in Neanderthal flower burial of northern Iraq dated 60,000 BC along with a number of other medicinal herbs. In antiquity known as herbal militaris for stanching the flow of blood from wounds, cuts and abrasions. Yarrow is also known as gordaldo, nosebleed plant, old man's pepper, devil's nettle, sanguinary, milfoil, soldier's woundwort, thousand-leaf, and thousand-seal.