What is white yarrow?

Achillea millefolium (White Yarrow) is a graceful perennial wildflower which produces an abundance of huge, flat clusters, 5 in. across (12 cm), packed with 20-25 creamy-white flowers. They are borne on tall stems atop a pleasantly aromatic, green, fern-like foliage that is disease resistant.

What is white yarrow good for?

Yarrow has long been used to treat digestive issues like ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), symptoms of which include stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. In fact, this herb contains several flavonoids and alkaloids, which are plant compounds known to relieve digestive complaints ( 7 , 8 , 9 ).

Is yarrow poisonous to humans?

When taken by mouth: Yarrow is commonly consumed in foods. But yarrow products that contain a chemical called thujone might not be safe. Thujone is poisonous in large doses. Yarrow is possibly safe when taken in doses of 250-500 mg daily for 12 months.

Can you eat white yarrow?

Edibility and culinary use

Yarrow has a strong licorice-like scent and a mildly sweet flavor that’s similar to tarragon. This entire plant is edible, but its leaves and flowers are especially popular to use in recipes. They can be dried and used as a spice.

Is white yarrow an herb?

Yarrow grows naturally in Europe and Western Asia and is grown around the world as a medicinal and ornamental herb. It is a perennial herb with feathery leaves that spread along the ground in a matt like habit.

How do you eat yarrow?

The root is used for pain including toothaches and is best harvested in fall. Dry yarrow in baskets or paper bags. Dosage: Tea: 1 tablespoon of chopped flowers or leaves per cup of boiled water, steep 10-15 minutes, and drink up to 3 cups a day. Drink hot to break a fever.

Can you eat yarrow raw?

Yarrow leaves and flowers can be dried and ground into a spice. The leaves and flowers can also be used fresh in salads, soups, stews, and other dishes as a leafy vegetable or garnish.

What is the deadliest flower in the world?

The yellow center of the ‘killer chrysanthemum‘ contains a natural toxin that is a powerful insecticide. This flower, the pyrethrum plant, contains a potent chemical that is made into an effective, and environmentally friendly, insecticide.

What does yarrow taste like?

Description/Taste

Yarrow is a soft herb, like tarragon. The herb has a strong licorice-like aroma with a sweet flavor and a somewhat bitter and astringent finish. The strong aroma remains even when Yarrow is dried.

How do you harvest yarrow for tea?

Harvest yarrow on a warm, sunny day when the plants are in full bloom. Cut the stem just above a leaf node. You can use both the flowers and the leaves. Wait until the dew has dried, but before the plants’ essential oils have dissipated in the heat of the day.

Is yarrow the same as wild carrot?

Look Alikes

Yarrow looks vaguely similar to some members of the carrot family, but a closer look will quickly reveal the differences. Many carrot family plants have fern-like leaves, but those of yarrow are typically more finely divided. Also, yarrow leaves are long and narrow, like a feather.

Are all yarrow varieties medicinal?

In the wild, you’ll find the majority of yarrow flowers to be white or pale yellow, and wild yarrow is most commonly used for its medicinal properties. You can find brighter colored yarrow flowers growing in gardens, but these are hybrid varieties of yarrow and aren’t as commonly used for their therapeutic properties.

What is yarrow herb used for?

Yarrow is an herb. The above ground parts are used to make medicine. Yarrow is used for fever, common cold, hay fever, absence of menstruation, dysentery, diarrhea, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal (GI) tract discomfort, and to induce sweating. Some people chew the fresh leaves to relieve toothache.

What can I do with dried yarrow?

It should take up to a couple weeks to dry completely. Once dried, I chop it roughly and keep it in a Mason jar for use later on. Dried yarrow can be used as a tea, dumped into a bath or can be used to make tinctures and tonics later on.

How can you tell yarrow from Hemlock?

The biggest difference that yarrow has from poison hemlock is its distinctive frilly, feather-like leaves. You can see pictures of the leaves in my post about foraging yarrow. The flowers also look a bit different, as yarrow is not in the Apiaceae family so does not have a true umbel flower.

What does yarrow smell like?

When crushed, the leaves and flowers will have a pleasant, spicy smell. Most folks agree that it smells like rosemary, oregano and other cooking herbs blended together. The leaves should also be hairy or fuzzy, especially on the stems. If the leaves have smooth stems, do not even touch them.

Is white yarrow poisonous?

Yarrow, also called milfoil, comes from the Asteraceae family and contains poisonous toxins that are harmful and injurious to a dog’s health. Vet bills can sneak up on you.

How do you identify white yarrow?

The trick to identifying yarrow comes from its scientific name: Achillea millefolium. The species name millefolium means many leaves and describes how the individual leaves are small and feathery. In Spanish-speaking regions, yarrow is called plumajillo or “little feather” which describes the leaves.

What does white yarrow look like?

Achillea millefolium (White Yarrow) is a graceful perennial wildflower which produces an abundance of huge, flat clusters, 5 in. across (12 cm), packed with 20-25 creamy-white flowers. They are borne on tall stems atop a pleasantly aromatic, green, fern-like foliage that is disease resistant.

Does yarrow come back every year?

The yarrow plant (Achillea millefolium) is an herbaceous flowering perennial. Whether you decide to grow yarrow in your flower beds or in your herb garden, it’s still a lovely addition to your yard. Yarrow care is so easy that the plant is virtually care-free.

Is yarrow native to KY?

Achillea millefolium – Common Yarrow – Common yarrow is native to Kentucky and these plants may become invasive. The seed for common yarrow are often included in wildflower seed mixes.

What can you not plant near yarrow?

Don’t plant these sun-loving flowers next to yarrow, as yarrow might choke off its supply of sunlight:

• Aster.
• Bee balm.
• Purple coneflower.
• Butterfly weed.
• Lamb’s ear.
• Sedum.

Does yarrow like sun or shade?

When planting yarrow, start with a spot in full sun. While plants can survive in the lower light of a partial sun or part shade setting, flower stems will stretch and become floppy.

Does yarrow attract bees?

Yarrow attracts butterflies, bees and other insects, making it a nice addition to a pollinator garden. This species can become weedy, however, since it spreads readily and tolerates disturbance. Numerous tribes in North America used yarrow for a variety of ailments.

Is all yarrow invasive?

Common yarrow is a weedy species and can become invasive. Proper care should be used to control the spread of the plant from its desired growing location. Common yarrow may suffer from mildew or root rot if not planted in well-drained soil.

How do you keep yarrow from spreading?

Although it is normally a tall plant, it readily adapts to the use of the lawnmower by taking up a low profile and forming mats. One method of keeping it from spreading afar is to dead-head the flowers after they have bloomed to prevent the formation of seeds, but this will not stop the slow creep of the rhizomes.

Can yarrow grow in pots?

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), a member of the daisy family, is perfect for growing in containers. Whist best-known as an ornamental, it’s also completely edible, acts as a great pest deterrent, and even has a variety of medicinal properties.