Achillea millefolium also known as Common Yarrow, or even just Yarrow, even though Yarrow refers to the Genus rather than this particular species. It is characterized by a 2 ft stalk(although it can reach 3 1/2 feet) with finely cut fern like leaves and a bunch or flowers on top arranged in a table top fashion. Many stalks can grow from one growth at it’s base. It is commonly white although I have seen yellow and pink varieties in Ohio. It is native to the Northern Hemisphere. It grows in full sun in the open prairie and prefers dry prairie soil. It blooms in late June through mid July.
Although it is used as an essential oil, it can be toxic to many animals including humans. If cows eat it, it can cause a fowl taste to their milk. It also has been used for medicinal purposes before for many ailments. It can also repel flying pests and also birds use it to line their nests where it can keep mites down.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Tracheophytes
- Sub-Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Subfamily: Asteroideae
- Tribe: Anthemideae
- Sub-Tribe: Matricariinae
- Genus: Achillea
- Species: Achillea millefolium
Good places to see this flower:
- Open prairies across the Northern Hemisphere.
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