Garden Mace, Nutmeg Thyme
Achillea ageratum

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

There are about 85-100 Achillea species. They are temperate in Europe and Asia.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows best in well drained soil in a sunny position. They can survive drought. It can withstand temperatures down to -20°C. It can survive in part shade and near the sea.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Europe, Greece, Mediterranean, North Africa, Spain, Switzerland

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten. They are also used for tea.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

It is grown from seed. Seed germinate in 1-3 months. Seedlings can be transplanted. Plants can also be grown by division of clumps. They can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ageraton, Arnica, Mace, Mace Yarrow, Maudlin, Milfoil, Sweet Nancy, Sweet Yarrow

Synonyms

Achillea viscosa Lam.; Conforata ageratum Fourr.;