Common Name: Yarrow

General Information

Achillea millefolium is a low-growing perennial plant, spreading by means of rhizomes to form a mat of low growth with flowering stems 10 - 100cm tall[, ].
The plant has a long history of herbal use dating back at least to early Greek civilizations - it was much used by them as a wound herb to staunch bleeding and promote healing. It is still commonly used in modern herbalism and is sometimes cultivated. The plant also finds a wide range of other uses in the garden and as a source of materials for dyeing etc. The wild form is little used as an ornamental, but several named forms have been developed that are grown in gardens.
The plant is often considered to be an aggressive weed and has spread from its original range in Europe and western Asia to many of the places humans have gone to.

Known Hazards

Extended use of this plant, either medicinally or in the diet, can cause allergic skin rashes or lead to photosensitivity in some people[, ].

Botanical References

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Range

Europe, including Britain, north to 71°, and east to western Asia.

Habitat

Meadows, pastures, lawns, waste ground etc., on all but the poorest soils[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[].
Succeeds in most soils and situations but prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position[, ]. Shade tolerant[]. Plants live longer when grown in a poor soil[] and also do well on lime[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[], they can show distress in very severe droughts but usually recover[]. It remains green after grass has turned brown in a drought[]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[]. The plant has a very spreading root system and is usually quite invasive[, ].
There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[, ]. 'Pink' (syn. 'Rosea') has very aromatic foliage and deep pink flowers[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[, , , ]. A rather bitter flavour, they make an acceptable addition to mixed salads and are best used when young[, , ]. The leaves are also used as a hop-substitute for flavouring and as a preservative for beer etc[, , , ].
Although in general yarrow is a very nutritious and beneficial plant to add to the diet, some caution should be exercised[]. See the notes above on possible toxicity.

An aromatic tea is made from the flowers and leaves[].

An essential oil from the flowering heads is used as a flavouring for soft drinks[].

Medicinal

Yarrow has a high reputation and is widely employed in herbal medicine, administered both internally and externally. It is used in the treatment of a very wide range of disorders but is particularly valuable for treating wounds, stopping the flow of blood, treating colds, fevers, kidney diseases, menstrual pain etc[, , , ].
The whole plant is used, both fresh and dried, and is best harvested when in flower[].
Some caution should be exercised in the use of this herb since large or frequent doses taken over a long period may be potentially harmful[], causing allergic rashes and making the skin more sensitive to sunlight[].

The herb is antiseptic, antispasmodic, mildly aromatic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, odontalgic, stimulant, bitter tonic, vasodilator and vulnerary[, , , , , , , , , , ].
It combines well with Sambucus nigra flowers (Elder) and Mentha x piperita vulgaris (Peppermint) for treating colds and influenza[].
The fresh leaf can be applied direct to an aching tooth in order to relieve the pain[].

The contains the anti-inflammatory agent azulene, though the content of this varies even between plants in the same habitat[].
The principle constituents of the essential oil are:- azulene (up to 51%), pinenes, caryophyllene, borneol, terpinol, cineol, bornyl acetate, camphor, sabinene and thujone, amongst others[]. Azulene levels vary according to source[]. The herb is harvested in the summer when in flower and can be dried for later use[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A good ground cover plant, spreading quickly by its roots[].
Yarrow is an excellent plant for growing in lawns, meadows, orchards etc., it is tolerant of repeated close cutting and of being walked on[, ]. It works to improve the soil fertility[, ]. A very good companion plant, it improves the health of plants growing nearby and enhances their essential oil content thus making them more resistant to insect predations[, , , ].
A good bee plant, it is an important nectar source for many insects[].

Other Uses

The growing plant repels beetles, ants and flies[, , ]. The plant has been burnt in order to ward off mosquitoes[].

A liquid plant feed can be made from the leaves[]. You fill a container with the leaves and then add some water. Leave it to soak for a week or two and then dilute the rather smelly dark liquid, perhaps 10 - 1 with water though this figure is not crucial[].

This plant is an essential ingredient of 'Quick Return' herbal compost activator[]. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost[].

The fragrant seeds have been used to impart a pleasant smell indoors[].

An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used medicinally[, , ]. The leaves contain from 0.6 to 0.85% essential oil[].

The leaves have been used as a cosmetic cleanser for greasy skin[].

The plant is a possible source of hypoallergenic rubber for human contact[].

Yellow and green dyes are obtained from the flowers[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or early autumn in a cold frame[]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the divisions can be planted direct into their permanent positions. Divisions succeed at any time of the year.
Basal cuttings of new shoots in spring. Very easy, collect the shoots when they are about 10cm tall, potting them up individually in pots and keeping them in a warm but lightly shaded position. They should root within 3 weeks and will be ready to plant out in the summer.