by Lisa Mulder
Plant Superstar of The Month: Yarrow, Achillea millefolium
This month we are looking at yarrow with the Latin name of Achillea millefolium, commemorating Achilles of Greek mythology who may have used this plant to help heal soldiers’ wounds on the battlefield.
As many of you already know, we grow a variety of medical plants at the Renfrew Community Garden. Yarrow is a medicinal plant known as a folk remedy for common ailments such as headaches, burns, cuts, sores, stings, and nosebleeds. Yarrow is an ingredient in many modern pharmaceuticals as well!
I recognize yarrow in our garden by its beautiful feathery, fern-like foliage and its spray of hundreds of tiny white flowers that exhibit all summer. Ours are white, but as you walk around town, you’ll see varieties in many colours! Yarrow is usually about 14 to 24” tall and grows in clumps. They love lots of sunshine but will tolerate drought and poor soils. Gardener beware yarrow does tend to spread! Our largest patch of yarrow is found in basin 4, in the NE corner, just under the Paul’s Pear tree.
Gentle Reminder: Although the in-ground gardens can be tasted and enjoyed by the public, the “raised” garden beds are planted and nurtured by members of the Renfrew Community Garden and not for public picking. Please walk through and enjoy with your eyes!
For more information about the Renfrew Community Garden, check out our website at https://renfrewcommunitygarden.wordpress.com/.
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