Common Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Habitat: moist areas along creeks and around meadows
Characteristics: Soft feathery leaves grown at the base of stem. White cluster of flowers grow in heads atop a long, single stem. Flowers look like tiny asters with cream-colored petals.
Blooms: July, August; LV, RV, TV
Comments: Yarrow contains alkaloid toxins. As tea it was used medicinally for digestion and malaise. The leaves and/or entire plant were powdered and used to stop internal and external bleeding and to heal rashes and inflammation. Milk from cows that have eaten yarrow is tainted and not potable.
Photo: © Colin Barrows