Yarrow, Achillea millefolium
Description
Yarrow, also called Woundwort, Milfoil, Staunchweed or Herbe Militaris, is a common member of the daisy family that is native to most of Europe and Asia. Commonly found on grassland, it is fairly easy to identify by its feathery leaves and umbels of small white flowers, which appear from June to October. Yarrow flowers and leaves have a long history of use as medicinal herbs the world-over, with far-ranging purported health benefits when used both externally and internally, including anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, as well as being a mild sedative. As an edible, the younger leaves can provide an interesting, if slightly bitter flavour, to a salad, but by far the most common use of the plant is in the creation of teas, herbal washes and tinctures.
Yarrow Checklist
Habitat
🐑 Grassland, including paddocks, fields and meadows.
🌊 Waterways, including rivers, lakes and streams.
🏡 Urban Green Spaces, including scrubland, parks and gardens.
🚜 Hedgerows, including field edges.
Season
🌸🌞🍂❄️ Mar - Nov
Leaves
☘️ Very distinctive, long, thin and very feathery. The small leaves are arranged in tight opposites and spiral along the stem.
Flowers
️🌷️ Small, white to pink flowers are arranged on round umbels at the tops of the stems, blooming between June and September.
Stem
🌱 Smooth, pale green and slightly hairy.
Edible Parts
☘️ Leaves
🌷 Flowers
Aroma / Taste
👃 Mild floral smell.
👅 Mild, slightly medicinal taste.
ID Notes
🟩 ID Difficulty - Beginner
👀 The feathery leaves and small white umbels are key identifiers of this plant.
Uses
🥗 Salad - Leaves and flowers can be eaten raw and added to salads.
🌺 Garnish - Flowers can be used as a garnish.
☕️ Beverage - Leaves and flowers can be used to make teas or other drinks.
💊 Herbal Remedy - Is often used medicinally.