Achillea millefolium

File:Achillea millefolium leaves - Tumalo State Park.jpg leaves on lower stems]]

File:Koeh-149.jpg (1887–1898)]]

Achillea millefolium is an erect, herbaceous, perennial plant that produces one to several stems {{convert|0.2|-|1|m|in|sigfig=1|abbr=off}} in height, and has a spreading rhizomatous growth form. Cauline and more or less clasping,{{eFloras|1|200023010|Achillea millefolium|access-date=31 January 2013}} the leaves appear spirally and evenly along the stem, with the largest and most petiolate towards the base;{{Cite book |last=Taylor |first=Ronald J. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/25708726 |title=Sagebrush Country: A Wildflower Sanctuary |publisher=Mountain Press Pub. Co |year=1994 |isbn=0-87842-280-3 |edition=rev. |location=Missoula, MT |pages=158 |language=en |oclc=25708726 |orig-year=1992}} they are {{convert|5–20|cm|in|0}} long and fernlike, divided bipinnately or tripinnately.{{Cite web |title=Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) |url=http://www.newmoonnursery.com/plant/Achillea-millefolium |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=New Moon Nursery}}

The inflorescence has 4 to 9 phyllaries and contains ray and disk flowers which are white to pink, blooming from March to October.{{Cite book |last=Spellenberg |first=Richard |url=https://archive.org/details/nationalaudubons00spel/page/352/ |title=National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers: Western Region |publisher=Knopf |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-375-40233-3 |edition=rev |pages=352 |orig-date=1979}} There are generally 3 to 8 ray flowers, which are {{Convert|3|mm|frac=8}} long and ovate to round. The tiny disk flowers range from 10 to 40. The inflorescence is produced in a flat-topped capitulum cluster and the inflorescences are visited by many insects, featuring a generalized pollination system.{{cite journal|doi=10.1111/plb.12328|pmid=25754608|title=Competition for pollinators and intra-communal spectral dissimilarity of flowers|journal=Plant Biology|volume=18|issue=1|pages=56–62|year= 2015|last1=Van Der Kooi|first1=C. J.|last2=Pen|first2=I.|last3=Staal|first3=M.|last4=Stavenga|first4=D. G.|last5=Elzenga|first5=J. T. M.|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273158762}} The small achene-like fruits are called cypsela.

The plant has a sweet scent similar to that of chrysanthemums,{{Cite web |title=Achillea millefolium - Plant Finder |url=https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277129&isprofile=1&basic=yarrow |website=www.missouribotanicalgarden.org}} so powerful that it may be irritating to some.

The dark blue essential oil of yarrow contains chemicals called proazulenes.{{Cite journal |last1=Michler |first1=Barbara |last2=Arnold |first2=Carl-Gerold |year=1999 |title=Predicting Presence of Proazulenes in the Achillea millefolium Group |journal=Folia Geobotanica |volume=34 |issue=1 |pages=143–161 |doi=10.1007/BF02803081 |jstor=4201352 |bibcode=1999FolGe..34..143M |s2cid=12541991}}

Chamazulene and δ-Cadinol are chemical compounds found in A. millefolium. The chromophore of azulene was discovered in yarrow and wormwood and named in 1863 by Septimus Piesse.

Yarrow contains isovaleric acid, salicylic acid, asparagine, sterols, and flavonoids.{{Cite book |title=Home Herbal: Cook, Brew & Blend Your Own Herbs |date=2011 |publisher=DK Pub. |isbn=978-0-7566-7183-9}} It also contains phenolic acids such as gallic acid, 3, 4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid and flavonoid such as myricetin, hesperidin, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, apigenin, rutin, hyperoside.{{Cite journal |last1=Georgieva |first1=L. |last2=Gadjalova |first2=A. V. |last3=Mihaylova |first3=D. |last4=Pavlov |first4=A. |date=2015 |title=Achillea millefolium L. - phytochemical profile and in vitro antioxidant activity. |url=http://www.ifrj.upm.edu.my/22%20(04)%202015/(5).pdf |journal=International Food Research Journal |s2cid=7989810}}

The several varieties and subspecies include:

• Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium
• A. m. subsp. m. var. millefolium – Europe, Asia
• A. m. subsp. m. var. borealis – Arctic regions
• A. m. subsp. m. var. rubra – Southern Appalachians
• A. millefolium subsp. chitralensis – western Himalaya
• A. millefolium subsp. sudetica – Alps, Carpathians
• Achillea millefolium var. alpicola – Western United States, Alaska[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACMIA USDA Plants Profile for Achillea millefolium var. alpicola (common yarrow)] . accessed 31 January 2013
• Achillea millefolium var. californica – California, Pacific Northwest[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACMIC Profile for Achillea millefolium var. californica (California yarrow)] . accessed 31 January 2013{{Cite web |title=Tropicos |url=https://www.tropicos.org/NameSearch.aspx?name=Achillea%20millefolium%20californica |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=www.tropicos.org}}{{cite web|author=Bert Wilson|url=http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/achillea-millefolium-californica|title=Las Pilitas Nursery horticultural treatment: Achillea millefolium var. californica|publisher=Laspilitas.com|date=29 July 2012|access-date=19 May 2013}}
• Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis – North America[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACMIO USDA Plants Profile for Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis (western yarrow)]. Accessed 31 January 2013.
• Achillea millefolium var. pacifica – west coast of North America, Alaska[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACMIP USDA Plants Profile for Achillea millefolium var. pacifica (Pacific yarrow)]. accessed 31 January 2013
• Achillea millefolium var. puberula – endemic to California[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACMIP2 USDA Plants Profile for Achillea millefolium var. puberula] . Accessed 31 January 2013.

The genus name Achillea is derived from mythical Greek character Achilles, who reportedly carried it with his army to treat battle wounds.{{cite journal |last1=Chandler |last2=Hooper |last3=Harvey |year=1982 |title=Ethnobotany and phytochemistry of yarrow, Achillea millefolium, compositae |journal=Economic Botany |volume=36 |issue=2 |pages=203–223 |doi=10.1007/BF02858720 |bibcode=1982EcBot..36..203C |s2cid=27867476}} The specific epithet millefolium comes from the featherlike leaves which are minutely divided.

Yarrow is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and North America.File:Achillea millefolium 4.jpg, Chelan County, Washington]]

The plant grows from sea level to {{convert|3500|m|ft|abbr=on}} in elevation. Common yarrow is frequently found in the mildly disturbed soil of grasslands and open forests. Active growth occurs in the spring.

In North America, both native and introduced genotypes, and both diploid and polyploid plants are found.{{cite web|url= http://www.herbarium.unc.edu/flora.htm|title=Flora of the Carolinas, Virginia, and Georgia, and Surrounding Areas|author=Alan S. Weakley|date=April 2008}} It is found in every habitat throughout California except the Colorado and Mojave Deserts.{{Cite web |title=UC/JEPS: Jepson Manual treatment for ACHILLEA millefolium |url=https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment?Achillea%20millefolium |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=ucjeps.berkeley.edu}}{{Cite web |title=Achillea millefolium Calflora |url=https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=61 |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=www.calflora.org}} Common yarrow produces an average yield of {{convert|43000|/acre|/ha|order=flip|adj=pre|plants}}, with a total dry weight of {{convert|10500|lb/acre|kg/ha|order=flip|abbr=in}}.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/mf2634.pdf |title=A Grower's Guide_Yarrow_Achillea millefolium |access-date=27 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007014225/http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/mf2634.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}

It has been introduced as a feed for livestock in New Zealand{{Cite web |title=RNZIH – Horticulture Pages – Weeds – Achillea millefolium – yarrow |url=http://www.rnzih.org.nz/pages/achilleamillefolium.htm |access-date=2 September 2015 |website=www.rnzih.org.nz}} and Australia, where it is a common weed of both wet and dry areas, such as roadsides, meadows, fields and coastal places.

File:Eristalis arbustorum - Achillea millefolium - Keila.jpg]]

Several cavity-nesting birds, including the common starling, use yarrow to line their nests. Experiments conducted on the tree swallow, which does not use yarrow, suggest that adding yarrow to nests inhibits the growth of parasites.{{cite journal |vauthors=Shutler D, Campbell AA |title=Experimental addition of greenery reduces flea loads in nests of a non-greenery using species, the tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor |journal=Journal of Avian Biology |volume=38 |pages=7–12 |year=2007 |doi=10.1111/j.2007.0908-8857.04015.x |issue=1}}

Achillea millefolium is a food source for many species of insects, although is not particularly attractive to ladybirds.{{cite journal |last1=Pollier |first1=Anna |last2=Tricault |first2=Yann |last3=Plantegenest |first3=Manuel |last4=Bischoff |first4=Armin |date=February 2019 |title=Sowing of margin strips rich in floral resources improves herbivore control in adjacent crop fields |journal=Agricultural and Forest Entomology |volume=21 |issue=1 |pages=119–129 |doi=10.1111/afe.12318|url=https://hal-agrocampus-ouest.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-02277259/file/Pollier%20et%20al.%202019HAL.pdf }}

; Moths

The larvae of the moths Bucculatrix clavenae, B. cristatella, B. fatigatella, B. humiliella, B. latviaella, Cnephasia abrasana, Cochylimorpha elongana, Coleophora argentula, C. carelica, C. ditella, C. expressella, C. follicularis, C. gardesanella, C. millefolii, C. partitella, C. ptarmicia, C. quadristraminella, C. succursella, C. vibicigerella, Depressaria olerella, D. silesiaca, Dichrorampha alpinana (broad-blotch drill), D. petiverella, D. vancouverana (tanacetum root moth), Eupithecia millefoliata (yarrow pug), E. nanata (narrow-winged pug), Gillmeria pallidactyla, Idaea pallidata, Isidiella nickerlii, Loxostege manualis, Phycitodes maritima, P. saxicola, Pyncostola bohemiella, Sophronia sicariellus and Thetidia smaragdaria (Essex emerald) feed on Achillea millefolium in Europe.

The larvae of Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria (blackberry looper), Coleophora quadruplex and Sparganothoides lentiginosana (lentiginos moth) feed on A. millefolium in North America.

Other species of moths with a more cosmopolitan distribution include Aethes smeathmanniana (Smeathmann's aethes moth), Chloroclystis v-ata (v-pug), Choristoneura diversana, Cochylidia richteriana, Epiblema graphana, Eupithecia succenturiata (bordered pug), E. vulgata (common pug), Jordanita budensis and Thiodia citrana (lemon bell).

The Noctuid Agrotis stigmosa has also been reared on A. millefolium.Lafontaine, J. D., 2004. Noctuoidea, Noctuidae (part): Noctuinae, Agrotini in Hodges, R. W., ed.,

The Moths of North America, fasc. 27.1

; Beetles

Cassida denticollis, Galeruca tanaceti, Hypocassida subferruginea and Phytoecia virgula are cosmopolitan species of beetles that feed on A. millefolium.

Chrysanthia viridissima is a European species whose adults can be found feeding on pollen and nectar.
Trichodes ornatus (ornate checkered beetle) is a species found in North America whose adults can be found feeding on A. millefolium.

; True bugs

Horistus orientalis is a species of plant bugs that feeds on A. millefolium.

; Wasps

Hedychrum rutilans is a species of cuckoo wasps whose adults can be found feeding on A. millefolium in Europe and North Africa.

;Galls

Aceria kiefferi (Nalepa, 1891) is a mite that deforms flowers and leaves.

[https://gallformers.org/host/20 external link to gallformers]

File:Red Achillea millefolium.jpg]]

File:Achillea20090912 079.jpg

Achillea millefolium is cultivated as an ornamental plant by many plant nurseries. It is planted in gardens and natural landscaping settings of diverse climates and styles. They include native plant, drought-tolerant, and wildlife gardens. The plant is a frequent component of butterfly gardens. The plant prefers well-drained soil in full sun, but can be grown in less ideal conditions.{{cite web|url=http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/b282/achillea-millefolium.aspx|title=Missouri Botanical Garden horticultural treatment: Achillea millefolium |access-date=31 January 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.finegardening.com/plantguide/achillea-millefolium-common-yarrow.aspx |title=Fine Gardening magazine Plant Guide – Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)|access-date=31 January 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACMI2|title=Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database: Achillea millefolium (common yarrow)|access-date=31 January 2013}}

For propagation, seeds require light for germination, so optimal germination occurs when planted no deeper than {{convert|1/4|in|mm|order=flip|abbr=on|0}}. Seeds also require a germination temperature of {{convert|18-24|C|F}}. It has a relatively short life in some situations, but may be prolonged by division in the spring every other year, and planting {{convert|12|to(-)|18|in|cm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} apart. It can become invasive.USDA, NRCS. 2006. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 22 May 2006). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACMI2]

{{anchor|yarrow lawn}}

The species use in traditional gardens has generally been superseded by cultivars with specific 'improved' qualities.{{cite book|title=RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants|year=2008|publisher=Dorling Kindersley|location=United Kingdom|isbn=978-1-4053-3296-5|page=1136}} Some are used as drought-tolerant lawns, with periodic mowing.{{Cite web |title=San Marcos Growers >The Yarrow Lawn |url=https://www.smgrowers.com/gardens/yarrow.asp |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=www.smgrowers.com}}{{cite web |last1=Singer |first1=Carolyn |title=Rethinking lawn with native yarrow |url=https://www.theunion.com/entertainment/rethinking-lawn-with-native-yarrow/article_c2754afa-18ed-5cf8-b73e-f3c893366f36.html |website=theunion.com|date=3 May 2015 }}{{cite web |last1=Kleinrock |first1=Scott |title=If Not Lawn, Then What? |url=https://huntington.org/verso/if-not-lawn-then-what |website=The Huntington}}{{cite web |title=Creeping Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) for Lawn |url=https://www.patwelsh.com/lawns-grass/creeping-yarrow-achillea-millefolium-for-lawn/ |website=patwelsh.com}} The many different ornamental cultivars include: 'Paprika',{{cite web|url=http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/n710/achillea-millefolium-paprika.aspx|title=Missouri Botanical Garden horticultural treatment: Achillea millefolium 'Paprika'|publisher=Missouribotanicalgarden.org|access-date=19 May 2013}} 'Cerise Queen', 'Red Beauty',{{cite web|url=http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/c653/achillea-millefolium-red-beauty.aspx|title=Missouri Botanical Garden horticultural treatment: Achillea millefolium 'Red Beauty'|publisher=Missouribotanicalgarden.org|access-date=19 May 2013}} 'Red Velvet',{{Cite web|url=http://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/161992/achillea-millefolium-red-velvet/details|title=Achillea millefolium 'Red Velvet' {{pipe}} yarrow 'Red Velvet' Herbaceous Perennial/RHS Gardening|website=www.rhs.org.uk}} 'Saucy Seduction', 'Strawberry Seduction' (red), 'Island Pink' (pink),{{cite web|author=Bert Wilson|url=http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/achillea-millefolium-rosea-island-pink|title=Las Pilitas Nursery: Achillea millefolium rosea Island Pink (Pink Yarrow)|publisher=Laspilitas.com|date=8 January 2012|access-date=19 May 2013}} 'Calistoga' (white),{{cite web|url=http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Achillea_millefolium_'Calistoga'|title=California Natives Wiki: Achillea millefolium 'Calistoga'|publisher=Theodorepayne.org|date=19 August 2010|access-date=19 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321073622/http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Achillea_millefolium_%27Calistoga%27|archive-date=21 March 2015|url-status=dead}} and 'Sonoma Coast' (white).{{cite web|url=http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Achillea_millefolium_'Sonoma_Coast'|title=California Natives Wiki: Achillea millefolium 'Sonoma Coast'|publisher=Theodorepayne.org|date=19 August 2010|access-date=19 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321183610/http://www.theodorepayne.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Achillea_millefolium_%27Sonoma_Coast%27|archive-date=21 March 2015|url-status=dead}} The following are recipients of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:

• 'Credo'{{cite web | url = https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/86956/Achillea-Credo/Details

| title = Achillea 'Credo' | publisher = RHS | access-date = 27 February 2020}}

• 'Lachsschönheit' (Galaxy Series){{cite web | url = https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/93958/Achillea-Lachsschonheit-(Galaxy-Series)/Details | title = Achillea 'Lachsschönheit' (Galaxy Series) | publisher = RHS | access-date = 27 February 2020}}
• 'Martina'{{cite web | url = https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/60417/Achillea-Martina/Details

| title = Achillea 'Martina' | publisher = RHS | access-date = 27 February 2020}}

• 'Lansdorferglut'{{cite web | url = https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/44577/Achillea-millefolium-Lansdorferglut/Details | title = Achillea millefolium 'Lansdorferglut' | publisher = RHS | access-date = 27 February 2020}}

The many hybrids of this species designated Achillea × taygetea are useful garden subjects,{{cite book|author1=Clausen, Ruth Rogers|author2=Ekstrom, Nicolas H.|title=Perennials for American gardens|year=1989|publisher=Random House|location=New York|isbn=978-0-394-55740-3|page=[https://archive.org/details/perennialsforame00clau/page/4 4]|url=https://archive.org/details/perennialsforame00clau|url-access=registration}} including: 'Appleblossom', 'Fanal', 'Hoffnung', and 'Moonshine'.{{Cite web |title=Moonshine Yarrow |url=https://www.monrovia.com/moonshine-yarrow.html |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=www.monrovia.com |language=en}}

{{see also|List of herbs with known adverse effects}}

Yarrow can cause allergic skin rashes.{{cite journal | last1=Hausbn | first1=B. M. | last2=Bheuer | first2=J. | last3=Weglewski | first3=J. | last4=Rucker | first4=G. | title=α-Peroxyachifolid and other new sensitizing sesquiterpene lactones from yarrow (Achillea millefolium L., Compositae) | journal=Contact Dermatitis | volume=24 | issue=4 | year=1991 | issn=0105-1873 | pmid=1868717 | doi=10.1111/j.1600-0536.1991.tb01722.x | pages=274–280| s2cid=24643321 }} It reportedly can induce menstruation and cause miscarriages.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, yarrow is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea and dermatitis.{{cite web |title=Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Yarrow |url=http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/yarrow |publisher=ASPCA}}

When consumed by cows, an unfavorable flavor is given to their milk.{{Cite book|last=Reiner|first=Ralph E.|title=Introducing the Flowering Beauty of Glacier National Park and the Majestic High Rockies|publisher=Glacier Park, Inc.|year=1969|pages=16}} In a standard rodent model for reproductive toxicity, aqueous extracts of yarrow produced a significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm.{{cite journal |vauthors=Dalsenter P, Cavalcanti A, Andrade A, Araújo S, Marques M |year=2004 |title=Reproductive evaluation of aqueous crude extract of Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) in Wistar rats |journal=Reprod Toxicol |volume=18 |issue=6 |pages=819–23 |doi=10.1016/j.reprotox.2004.04.011 |pmid=15279880|bibcode=2004RepTx..18..819D }}

{{Further|Yarrow oil}}

{{Anchor|Yarrow salve}}

File:YarrowEssentialOil.png

File:Achillea millefolium - leaves close-up (18736673602).jpg

{{see also|List of plants in The English Physitian}}

A. millefolium was used in traditional medicine, in part due to its astringent properties and the mild laxative effect of its leaves.{{cite book |author=Grieve |first=Maud |url=https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/y/yarrow02.html |title=A Modern Herbal |year=1931 |author-link=Maud Grieve}}{{Cite web |title=Common Yarrow |url=https://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/Plants%20of%20Upper%20Newport%20Bay%20(Robert%20De%20Ruff)/Asteraceae/Achillea%20millefolium.htm#:~:text=A%20tonic%20brew%20for%20loss,conditions%20of%20the%20gastrointestinal%20tract. |access-date=2022-07-21 |website=Natural History of Orange County, California}} It has been used since ancient times to heal wounds and stop bleeding, and in the sixteenth century the crushed leaves were used to stop nosebleeds.{{cite book |last1=Haragan |first1=Patricia Dalton |title=Weeds of Kentucky and Adjacent States |date=1991 |publisher=The University Press of Kentucky |page=9}} Yarrow and its North American varieties were traditionally used by many Native American nations.{{Cite web |title=BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database |url=http://naeb.brit.org/uses/species/38/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=naeb.brit.org}} The Navajo historically considered it a "life medicine" and chewed the plant for toothaches and used its infusions for earaches. The Miwok in California used the plant as an analgesic and head cold remedy. Native American nations used the plant for healing cuts and abrasions, relief from earaches and throat infections, as well as for an eyewash.{{cite book |last1=Faran |first1=Mina |title=Medicinal herbs in Modern Medicine (ṣimḥei marpé bir'fū'ah ha-modernīt) |last2=Tcherni |first2=Anna |date=1997 |publisher=Akademon (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) |isbn=965-350-068-6 |volume=1 |location=Jerusalem |page=242 |language=he |oclc=233179155}}, s.v. Achillea millefolium Common yarrow was used by Plains indigenous peoples to reduce pain or fever and aid sleep.

In the early 20th century, some Ojibwe people used a decoction of yarrow leaves on hot stones and inhaled it to treat headaches,Densmore, Frances, 1928, Uses of Plants by the Chippewa Indians, SI-BAE Annual Report #44:273–379, page 336 or applied decoctions of the root onto skin for its stimulating effect.Densmore, Frances, 1928, Uses of Plants by the Chippewa Indians, SI-BAE Annual Report #44:273–379, p. 350

The entire plant is reportedly edible and nutritious,{{Cite web |last=Tjandra |first=Cornelia |date=2019-05-16 |title=Yarrow, a Delicious and Nutritious Panacea |url=https://eattheplanet.org/yarrow-a-delicious-and-nutritious-panacea/ |access-date=2022-07-21 |website=Eat The Planet |language=en-US}} but it is advised not to consume much.{{Cite web |title=Common Yarrow: Pictures, Flowers, Leaves & Identification {{!}} Achillea millefolium |url=https://www.ediblewildfood.com/common-yarrow.aspx |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Edible Wild Food}} The foliage is pungent; both its leaves and flowers are bitter and astringent. The leaves can be eaten young; raw, they can be added to salad. The leaves, with an aniseed-grass flavour, can be brewed as tea.{{Cite book|last=Benoliel|first=Doug|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/668195076|title=Northwest Foraging: The Classic Guide to Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest|publisher=Skipstone|year=2011|isbn=978-1-59485-366-1|edition=Rev. and updated|location=Seattle, WA|pages=179|oclc=668195076}}

In the Middle Ages, yarrow was part of a herbal mixture known as gruit used in the flavoring of beer prior to the use of hops.{{cite web | url=http://thornews.com/2015/10/04/this-is-genuine-viking-beer/ | title=This Is Genuine Viking Beer | publisher=ThorNews | date=5 October 2015 | access-date=5 October 2015 | author=Lanneskog, Thor}} The flowers and leaves are used in making some liquors and bitters.

Yarrow is used as a companion plant, attracting some beneficial insects{{cite journal |last1=Fountain |first1=Michelle T. |date=18 March 2022 |title=Impacts of Wildflower Interventions on Beneficial Insects in Fruit Crops: A Review |journal=Insects |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=304 |doi=10.3390/insects13030304|doi-access=free |pmid=35323602 |pmc=8955123 }} and repelling some pests.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}

A. millefolium can be planted to combat soil erosion due to the plant's resistance to drought. Before the arrival of monocultures of ryegrass, both grass and pasture contained A. millefolium at a density of about 0.3 kg/ha.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} One factor for its use in grass mixtures was its deep roots, with leaves rich in minerals, minimizing mineral deficiencies in ruminant feed. It was introduced into New Zealand as a drought-tolerant pasture.

Some pick-up sticks are made of yarrow.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}

Yarrow can be used for dying wool as it contains apigenin and luteolin. Depending on the mordant the color may be green to yellow.{{cite journal |last1=Kiumarsi |last2=Abomahboub |last3=Rashedi |last4=Parvinzadeh |year=2009 |title=Achillea Millefolium, a New Source of Natural Dye for Wool Dyeing |url=https://www.sid.ir/en/journal/ViewPaper.aspx?ID=226555 |journal=Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=87–93}}

Yarrow has been found with Neanderthal burials, suggesting its association with human species dates to at least 60,000 years ago.

File:Yarrow stalks for I Ching.JPG divination]]

Yarrow and tortoiseshell are considered to be lucky in Chinese tradition.{{cite web |title=Chinese Superstitions |url=http://www.chinatownconnection.com/chinese-superstitions.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060224002923/http://www.chinatownconnection.com/chinese-superstitions.htm |archive-date=24 February 2006 |access-date=19 May 2013 |publisher=Chinatownconnection.com}}

The stalks are dried and used as a randomising agent in I Ching divination.{{cite web |title=Introduction to the I Ching – By Richard Wilhelm |url=http://www.iging.com/intro/introduc.htm |access-date=19 May 2013 |publisher=Iging.com}}

In antiquity, the plant was known as herba militaris for its use in stanching the flow of blood from wounds.Dodson & Dunmire, 2007, Mountain Wildflowers of the Southern Rockies, UNM Press, {{ISBN|978-0-8263-4244-7}} In the Classical Greek epic Iliad, Homer tells of the centaur Chiron, who conveyed herbal secrets to his human pupils and taught Achilles to use yarrow on the battlegrounds of Troy.{{cite book |author=Homer |title=Iliad |title-link=Iliad |pages=11.828–832 |author-link=Homer}} The genus name Achillea is inspired by the alleged use of the herb by Achilles to treat his soldiers' wounds. Other names implying the plant's historical use in healing—particularly in the military—include bloodwort, knight's milfoil, staunchweed, and, from its use in the United States Civil War, soldier's woundwort. Its use in either starting or stopping nosebleeds led to the common name nosebleed.{{cite book |last1=Britten |first1=James |url=https://archive.org/details/folklorerecord01folkuoft |title=Folk-Lore Record |publisher=Folklore Enterprises, Ltd., Taylor & Francis |year=1878 |volume=1 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/folklorerecord01folkuoft/page/32/ 32], [https://archive.org/details/folklorerecord01folkuoft/page/156/ 156–157] |doi=10.1080/17441994.1878.10602548 |jstor=1252356}}

The English name yarrow comes from its Saxon (Old English) name gearwe, which is related to both the Dutch word gerw (alternately yerw) and the Old High German word garawa.{{cite book |title=Oxford English Dictionary |edition=2nd |chapter=Yarrow}} In the eastern counties{{Clarify|reason=Of England or Europe?|date=January 2024}} it may be called yarroway. It was called old man's pepper due to its pungent flavor, while the name field hop came from its use in beer making in Sweden.

In the Hebrides, a leaf held against the eyes was sometimes believed to give second sight.{{Cite book |author=Margaret Baker |title=Discovering the Folklore of Plants |date=October 1971 |publisher=Shire Publications |edition=revised |id=SBN 852630806}} In the witchcraft trial of Elspeth Reoch in March 1616, she was alleged to have plucked "melefour", thought to be another name for yarrow, and said "In nomine Patris, Fiili, et Spiritus Sancti" to become able to cure distemper (disorders of the four humours) and impart the faculty of prediction. For its association with the Abrahamic devil it was called bad man's plaything, devil's nettle, and devil's plaything. Yarrow was thought to bring luck due to being, according to one woman cited by James Britten ({{Circa|1878}}), "the first herb our Saviour put in His hand when a child". This is apparently a corruption of the Achilles myth{{Cite web |last=Taliesin |first=David |date=2017-05-27 |title=Yarrow: Herbe de St. Joseph, Carpenter's Weed |url=https://sabbatsandsabbaths.com/2017/05/26/yarrow-herbe-de-st-joseph-carpenters-weed/ |access-date=2022-07-19 |website=Sabbats and Sabbaths |language=en}} in which Jesus uses the plant to heal his adoptive father. For this reason, in France, it was called 'herbe de St. Joseph', and it has also been called 'carpenter's weed' in this regard.

Various other common names include arrowroot, death flower, eerie, hundred-leaved grass, knyghten, old man's mustard, sanguinary, seven-year's love, snake's grass, and soldier. The names milfoil and thousand leaf come refer to the minutely divided leaves. In Spanish, it is known as gordaldo and, in New Mexico and southern Colorado, plumajillo (Spanish for 'little feather').

In Sussex and Devonshire superstition, yarrow was used for finding one's real sweetheart. One would pluck yarrow growing on a young man's grave while reciting:

:Yarrow, sweet yarrow, the first that I have found,
in the name of Jesus Christ, I pluck it from the ground;
As Joseph loved sweet Mary, and took her for his dear,
so in a dream this night, I hope, my true love will appear.

and go to sleep with the yarrow under the pillow.

In a similar tradition in Wicklow, girls would pick yarrow on Hallow Eve and recite:

:Thou pretty herb of Venus' tree,
Thy true name is yarrow;
Now who my bosom friend may be,
Pray tell thou me to-morrow.

then retire for the night without speaking and go to sleep with an ounce of yarrow sewn in flannel under the pillow.

In Suffolk a leaf was placed in the nose so it would bleed, while reciting

:Green 'arrow, green 'arrow, you bears a white blow,
If my love love me, my nose will bleed now;
If my love don't love me, it 'on't bleed a drop,
If my love do love me, 'twill bleed every drop.

In Dublin on May Day or the night before, women would place a stocking full of yarrow under their pillow and recite:

:Good morrow, good yarrow, good morrow to thee,
I hope by the yarrow my lover to see;
And that he may be married to me.
The colour of his hair and the clothes he does wear,
And if he be for me may his face be turned to me,
And if he be not, dark and surely may he be,
And his back be turned toward me.

{{gallery|mode=packed

|Achillea millefolium scan.jpg|Leaves

|Achillea millefolium 3.jpg|Close-up of leaf

|Budding yarrow.jpg|Budding flowers

|Achillea millefolium capitula 2002-11-18.jpg|Flowers at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

|Yarrow dark background.jpg|Flower by a pond, United Kingdom

|The Achillea millefolium.JPG|Field of yarrow in Russia

|Achillea millefolium 6.jpg|Flowers in Chelan County, Washington

|Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).jpg|Close-up of flowers

|Achillea millefolium ENBLA03.jpg|Extreme close-up of flowers

|Achillea millefolium 5.jpg|Dry flowers with Hemiptera

|Achillea millefolium occidentalis seeds.jpg|Achenes

}}

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{{Wikiversity-bc}}

• [http://kswildflower.org/flower_details.php?flowerID=119 Kansas Wildflowers – Achillea millefolium]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20041117232630/http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=18 Dr. Duke's Databases: Achillea millefolium]

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millefolium

Category:Butterfly food plants

Category:Drought-tolerant plants

Category:Flora of Northern America

Category:Flora of Europe

Category:Flora of temperate Asia

Category:Garden plants of Europe

Category:Garden plants of North America

Category:Groundcovers

Category:Herbs

Category:Medicinal plants of Asia

Category:Medicinal plants of Europe

Category:Plants described in 1753

Category:Plants used in traditional Native American medicine

Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus