Medium native perennial with white flowers June to November. Suitable for most soil types.
Other Names: Milfoil, Woundwort
Distribution: Native British wild flower which is common in hedges and on banks throughout Britain.
Habitat: On grassy places on most soil types and will tolerate both sun and light shade.
Description: Rosettes of ferny leaves at ground level with flower spikes holding flat flower-heads consisting of lots of small white flowers. The flowers appear from June to November and may be tinged with pink. Its' height may be as much as 45cms.
Uses: It has been long used for the treatment of wounds. It was said that the ancient Greek hero, Achilles, used yarrow to cure wounds made by iron weapons. The Anglo Saxons believed that this plant could purge and heal wounds when pounded with grease. It was also used to drive away evil and sickness, especially in Ireland
. It was also thought to increase physical attractiveness and prevent people from being hurt by the opposite sex.
Wildlife: Yarrow is fed on by caterpillars of the Essex Emerald, Lime Speck Pug, Wormwood Pug, Straw Belle and Ruby Tiger Moths.
Other Notes: It is also a useful source of natural-looking cut flowers for use in the home
