Well-deserving and versatile yarrow named Herb of the Year
Several years ago, I added yarrow to my perennial bed. I had always loved the space-age look of the plant’s flat-topped flower heads, but I had also become interested in attracting more pollinators and I learned that honeybees love yarrow blossoms.
And while that could be enough, there is so much more to recommend these plants.
According to Janice Cox, garden writer and education chair for The Herb Society of America, yarrow is known as a powerful healing herb, a culinary ingredient, and a key ingredient in anti-aging and healing body care products.
The roots of associating yarrow with healing reach back thousands of years to ancient Greek mythology, with Homer’s hero Achilles using yarrow to staunch the bleeding of his soldiers’ wounds.
That legend lives on in yarrow’s scientific name, Achillea millefolium.
But yarrow’s history extends even further into the past.
The Penn State Extension website tells us that yarrow pollen has been found in 60,000-year-old burial caves in Europe, indicating that humans have used it since prehistoric times. (https://extension. psu.edu/yarrow-herb-ofthe-year-2024)
Numerous tribes in North America used yarrow for a variety of ailments. The crushed plant was applied to wounds and burns. The dried leaves were used as a tea to soothe colds, fever, and headache.
Here’s more from Janice Cox:
“I call yarrow my ‘protector’ plant as it keeps deer and rabbits out of my yard.
They do not like the scent or bitter tasting leaves. Yarrow makes an especially beautiful dried flower and dries very quickly and easily.
“Yarrow has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is cooling, soothing, and healing when used in skin care products. A simple tea or infusion of fresh flowers and leaves makes a calming product for troubled skin, insect bites, or a bad sunburn. Simply apply using a spray bottle or cotton pad. Yarrow in the bath is especially refreshing and boosts circulation. The most popular use of yarrow is as a key ingredient in healing skin balms and lotions.
“Yarrow can also be used in the kitchen when making bitters, teas, salads, and salts. You can use just about everything from oils, butters, honey, and vinegar in which to infuse the bitter, peppery leaves, and adding a bit of citrus or sugar will help enhance yarrow’s strong flavor. You only need a few leaves, as the taste can be overpowering.”
For compact growth and best flowering, plant yarrow in an area that receives full sun.
Yarrow thrives in hot, dry conditions and performs best in well-drained soil.
The flowers come in a myriad of colors from white to yellow to deep red and retain their beauty when dried.
An “aggressive selfseeder,” yarrow should be deadheaded after flowering.
The Philadelphia Unit of The Herb Society of America will feature yarrow — named the 2024 Herb of the Year by the International Herb Society — at its 85th Annual Herb Sale, held rain or shine on Thursday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the meadow at Historic Yellow Springs, 1685 Art School Road, Chester Springs.
A wide variety of culinary and fragrant herbs, and many rare and unusual scented geraniums and salvias will be featured.
In addition, a “Made by Members” boutique will highlight herbal specialties including chutneys, jams, mustards, and notecards.
Check or cash sales only. Tip: bring a basket, box, or cart to tote your purchases.
An Herbal Box Brunch by Dixie Picnic, Malvern will be available by reservation only.
Visit www.hsaphiladelphia.org to view the selections. To place your order send your selection and check, which must be received by May 1, 2024 to: HSA Philadelphia Unit, P.O. Box 273, Chester Springs, PA 19425.
A cautionary note: Although yarrow has been used for centuries for its health properties, it is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses and should be kept out of pastures. gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@ gmail.com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Pam’s nature-related books for children and