What it says
Yarrow speaks of care and healing. The genus Achillea carries the name of the Greek hero, credited by tradition with using the plant on his men's wounds before Troy.
Its folk names say the same: carpenter's herb, woundwort, soldier's herb.
The plant
The species name, millefolium, describes the leaves: finely divided, almost feathery. The flowers form flat umbels, white or pink, that last long and dry perfectly — one of the best flowers for dried arrangements.
It grows everywhere: verges, dry meadows, banks. It tolerates mowing, drought and poor soil.
Its uses
Traditionally used for minor wounds and digestive complaints, it appears in European pharmacopoeias. As an infusion it is bitter and aromatic.
It belongs to the daisy family: people allergic to mugwort or ragweed often react to it. It is not recommended in pregnancy. Like any medicinal plant, it does not replace medical advice.
In the garden
A dry-garden plant par excellence: full sun, free drainage, no watering once established. Cultivars offer deep yellows, oranges and brick reds that fade to softer tones without ever going dirty.
It attracts pollinators heavily, hoverflies in particular, whose larvae eat aphids. It is useful in the strict sense.
our piece on flower symbolism places yarrow among the flowers of care.