ACHILLEA

Description

A first aid plant with wildflower beauty and a jack-of-all-trades functional appeal, Achillea (also commonly referred to as yarrow) is an herbaceous perennial native to temperate regions of North America, Central Europe and Asia. It was originally introduced to the U.S. by the Europeans during colonial times, and has since spread throughout the country, being found in fields, prairies, open forests, waste areas and home gardens. If not properly managed, Achillea can be regarded as a weed or invasive species, since it spreads easily and quite aggressively!

This hardy plant typically grows to 101 cm in height, and features a pale-green central stem that is loosely hairy. Its stems are mostly unbranched, except for at the top, where its flat-topped, dome-shaped clusters are located. These flower heads are made up of tiny florets (3–5 mm long), which are mostly white, yellow or gold in color. Many of its cultivar names (such as 'Cloth of Gold', 'Coronation Gold', 'Altgold', 'Gold Plate') reference these hues. Its flowers may also be available in other colors, like pink, magenta, orange-red and red. Moving along the stem, the plant’s fern-like, evenly-distributed foliage (typically measuring 5–20 cm long) is slightly feathery and has been known to cause skin irritations among some people. Its leaves also emit a strong, spicy fragrance.

The genus comprises about 115 species and several cultivars of perennial herbs. Achillea millefolium is one of the most popular commercial species, and many cultivars have been created from hybrids between A. millefolum with A. taygetea. Throughout the years, breeders have leveraged off of its facility to crossbreed and have been able to cultivate a host of different varieties; these typically feature low maintenance, drought tolerant and pest-free qualities.

For centuries, Achillea has been used for its medicinal properties, especially by Native Americans and U.S. soldiers to treat wounds and other physical ailments. Nowadays, it is used primarily as an ornamental plant, working well in both fresh and dried arrangements. Achillea may also be beneficial in home gardens, as it can improve soil quality, prevent erosion and serve as a natural insect repellent.

Colors: White, cream, yellow, orange, peach, pink, burgundy

Special Care

Select cut flowers with straight, sturdy stems and vibrant, fully open florets. The plant's leaves tend to wilt easily, so before engaging in other standard processing techniques, strip any foliage that falls below the water line. If not, the leaves will rot quickly and produce unpleasant odors. Before storing or using them in floral work, recut the stems about 2.5 cm at an angle (45-degrees) and hydrate them in distilled water with a commercial floral preservative for two hours. Although not required, stems can be recut under running water or in a bowl of clean water. Cutting under water may reduce the risk of air pockets forming at the stems’ base and allows the flowers to absorb water right away.

Achillea is susceptible to botrytis, so make sure that the preservative contains some type of biocide that will prevent bacteria from forming. Certain cultivars may tolerate up to one week of storage at 35°F (1.7°C) and one day of shipping with no decrease in vase life, the latter of which is about ten days. Other varieties should be sold locally with minimal storage and shipping. Once transferred to a vase, continue to treat the water with a floral preservative.

In rare cases, touching Achillea can cause skin rashes in humans, so it should be avoided by those who are sensitive to plants of the Asteraceae family. Additionally, although Achillea is edible, avoid eating the plant in sizeable amounts. It contains some chemical compounds that are toxic if consumed in very large quantities.

Achillea is suitable for drying. Select open blooms whose pollen is visible, and hang upside down in a cool, airy place to dry.

Fun Facts:

• While Achillea is used for ornamental purposes or even as an insect repellant, it is a popular medicinal herb and has been for centuries. This plant is known to possess medicinal properties as a hemostatic (for blood coagulation), analgesic (for pain relief) and an antiseptic (for reducing infections).

• The plant’s genus name is reportedly derived from one of the great heroes of Greek mythology, Achilles, who is said to have carried Achillea for treating battle wounds. While Achilles has been largely credited for the plant’s discovery and use, some evidence suggests that its use dates back to the Neanderthals around 40,000 years ago.

• Achillea has deep roots in American history, primarily known for its use among Native Americans and the U.S. military for treating wounds. During the U.S. Civil War, it was referred to as “soldier’s woundwort.”

• Given its properties as an effective blood coagulant, Achillea can induce a nosebleed if a fresh leaf is inserted in the nostril and twisted—hence the origin of the common name, nosebleed.

• For its medicinal applications, Achillea can be used as a natural remedy for an assortment of ailments, including burns, cuts, toothaches and sore throats, among others. Its leaves can be ground into a paste-like poultice (or a powder, when dried) for treating wounds, or brewed into a tea that can help alleviate menstrual cramps and other abdominal discomforts.

• Achillea is popular among home growers as a natural pest repellent. Better yet, the plant has properties that help improve soil quality and attract butterflies and ladybugs.

• In Medieval times, Achillea was combined with rosemary and other herbs to produce gruit ale, an herbal mixture commonly used to flavor beer before the introduction of hops.

• During the 17th century, Achillea was used as a food source; its leaves were consumed like modern-day spinach.

• When eaten, Achillea is typically very bitter, which explains its common name, old man's pepper. It’s even known to alter cow’s milk when they consume too much of the plant. The resulting taste is known to be quite unpleasant!

• When crushed, Achillea leaves and flowers tend to have a strong, spicy smell. Some say the scent is similar to herbs like rosemary and oregano.

• Don’t confuse Achillea with poisonous plants, like fool’s parsley and poison hemlock! When they’re young, fool's parsley and poison hemlock leaves look similar to Achillea leaves, but these are very poisonous and fatal if eaten. They also typically have a bad odor reminiscent of chemical cleaners.

• Achillea produces a nut-like fruit known as achene.

• As a perennial plant, Achillea can survive in the wild for over two years.

• The plant is said to symbolize everlasting love.