Wholesale Yarrow flower

01.
a bit of botany

a little botanical information on yarrow

description
Achillea millefolium is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family.

Yarrow is an erect herbaceous perennial plant that has a spreading rhizomatous growth form and it produces one to several stems that grow up to 1 meter (a little over 3 feet) in height.

Yarrow's leaves are covered in varying degrees of hairiness (called pubescence) and are evenly distributed along its stem. These almost feathery leaves are 5–20 cm long, bipinnate or tripinnate; they are cauline and are arranged spirally on the stems with the largest leaves being near the middle and bottom. The leaves are more or less clasping.

The plant's inflorescence has 4 to 9 phyllaries and contains ray and disk flowers. Generally there are 3 to 8 ray flowers that are shaped ovate to round and colored white to pink. The number of disk flowers range from 15 to 40. The inflorescence appears as a flat-topped cluster. Yarrow's fruits are small achenes.

Yarrow has a strong scent that is sweet and reminiscent of chrysanthemum.

common names & nomenclature
Yarrow’s botanical name, Achillea millefolium, originates from the legend of Achilles, the Greek hero of the Trojan War.

Also known as:
greater plantain, broadleaf plantain, englishman's foot, ripple grass, snakeweed

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for yarrow

Achillea millefolium is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and North America.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting yarrow

climate
The yarrow plant grows in the mildly disturbed soil of open forests and grasslands in full to part sun.

soil
Prefers a well-drained soil and live longer when grown in a poor soil, they also do well on lime.

growing
Sow seed in spring or early autumn in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 1-3 months. When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Divide plants in spring or autumn, the divisions can be planted direct into their permanent positions. Divisions succeed at any time of the year. Take basal cuttings of new shoots in spring, collect the shoots when they are about 10cm tall, potting them up individually in pots and keeping them in a warm but lightly shaded position. They should root within 3 weeks and will be ready to plant out in the summer.

harvesting
Yarrow flowers need to be harvested in the summer when they are just opened or when dried they will go to seed. yarrow herb is also harvested when the plant is in flower and can be dried for later use. As with most herbs the entire aerial portion of the plant (above the roots) can be carefully hung upside down for drying.

preserving
Store dried yarrow flowers and dried yarrow herb and flower, powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

Health Benefits
The dried herb, and particularly the powder, is often used in wound powders and poultices. The astringent and anti-inflammatory actions of the plant are due to sesquiterpene lactones and tannins. Yarrow also contains coumarins, a class of plant-derived antioxidant compounds. Yarrow is said to aid with digestive issues, anxiety, inflammation and skin irritations

Recipes and Formulations
Despite the astringent and bitter taste, the flowers were a popular salad herb and flavoring agent for liquors and beer in the 17th century. Today, yarrow flower is usually used to make infusions, tinctures, skin creams and teas. A simple yarrow flower tea recipe is to steep a tablespoon of yarrow in a cup of boiling water for 4-5 minutes. Then sweeten with honey to taste. To make an astringent formula that may help to reduce redness and inflammation from minor blemishes, insect bites and other skin irritations, view our Yarrow Facial Toner Recipe »

May cause allergic reactions. Do not take essential oil unless supervised by a professional. Don't take if you are pregnant. Consult your health care provider before beginning use of any herb.