Common Name:
Common Yarrow
Scientific Name:
Achillea millefolium
Unique Qualities:
Yarrow is an herb that grows between 30 and 70 centimeters tall. It has white flowers that have a strong smell and are divided into tiny leaflets making it look like lace! Yarrow spreads quickly and can tolerate droughts because of its strong, deep root system.
Can be Seen:
Yarrow can be found in most Canadian provinces including the Yukon, Northwest Territories, northern Saskatchewan, Manitoba, northern Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
Likes to Hang Out:
You can find Yarrow growing in fields, on shorelines, meadows, sandy slopes, tundra, along roadsides and in woodlands. It spreads quickly and grows well on dry, rocky soil, which is why it is often found in natural areas that have been disturbed.
Benefits of the Plant:
Yarrow is known mostly for its medicinal qualities. For centuries, Aboriginal Canadians have used Yarrow to treat headaches, stings, cuts, sores, burns, and even nosebleeds. In fact, in the Chipewyan language, the word for Yarrow is t” achay delagi which means “holy flower” and in the Cree language, it is called mistigonimaskigiah which means “head medicine.” Today, it is found in over 20 pharmaceutical products in Canada.
Status:
Yarrow is common in many places in Canada. It is a strong plant so it can survive through habitat changes.
Extra Facts:
- Yarrow attracts pollinators and is food for many birds and mammals.
- It is a perennial that blooms for a long time in the summer and fall. It is sometimes considered to be unpleasant because of how fast it spreads. It is resistant to deer.
- The leaves and flowers are also boiled into a tea.
- It can also be used in as a blue dye in food colouring and cosmetics.
- It is found in over 20 pharmaceutical products such as healing lotions for cramps, nausea, inflammation, etc. It can also help with fevers and colds and its used in aromatherapy.
