Yarrow, Angel Flower
Achillea millefolium
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.
This one is used in medicine. It contains inulin that produces fructose and therefore doesn't boost blood glucose. There are about 85-100 Achillea species. They are temperate in Europe and Asia.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. The plant is native to Europe. It suits most soil conditions. It is drought and frost resistant. It grows best in well drained soils. It suits hardiness zones 3-10. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Alaska, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Bolivia, Bosnia, Botswana, Brazil, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, Chile, China, Croatia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Europe (country/location of origin), Falklands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Hawaii, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, North America, Norway, Pacific, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Serbia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, West Indies
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten in small quantities to make a cool somewhat bitter addition to salads. The fine leaves stripped off the stems are also boiled well then eaten. (It has a reputation as a herb in medicine). The dried leaves are also used for tea. They are also used as a hops substitute. The young leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are also used for pickles. The flowers are used in herbal teas and lemonade. They are also fried in butter and sprinkled with sugar or orange juice. Caution: It should probably not be eaten in significant quantities nor for extended periods of time as it can cause rashes.
It is sold in local markets. Foraged plants are provided to restaurants in Sweden.
Edible parts
Leaves, herb, spice, vegetable, flowers - tea, leaves - tea
How it is grown
It can be grown by dividing the rootstock. It is grown from seed. Seed germinate in 1-3 months. Seedlings can be transplanted. Plants can be grown from cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Ajenquillo, Akarkhara, Altamisa, Aster yaro, Biranjasif, Bunch of Daisies, Chopandiga, Civanpercemi, Falsa altamisa, Gandana, Hajdučka trava, Hazaraterevuk, Herezan, Hundred-leaved grass, Kraujazole, Lule te bardha, Milenrama, Milfoil, Milhojas, Momadnu, Navadni rman, Parsmanduk'i, Pelaski, Plumilla, Raudrohi, Rojmari, Rooamari, Ryllik, Sanguinary, Shi, Soldier’s Woundwort, Sporiš, Thousand Leaf, Tysiachelistnik, Verihein, Wodaa kwasiba