Enchanting, wild, white yarrow

by Silva Wischeropp

This floral photograph was taken on 26 September 2026 in the late afternoon using a NIKON D800 (lens: NIKKOR 24.0–70.0 mm f/2.8).

Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a widespread, perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Since ancient times, it has been regarded as one of the most important native medicinal and wild plants in Europe and throughout the northern hemisphere. Its botanical name is derived from the Greek hero Achilles, who, according to legend, is said to have used the herb to heal the wounds of his soldiers.

Growth habit:
A perennial herb with deep-reaching rhizomes (up to 90 cm) and underground runners, enabling it to form dense mats. It reaches a height of 15 to 100 centimetres.

Leaves:
Characteristically deeply pinnately compound, feather-like and elongated. Their arrangement is visually reminiscent of an eyebrow, which serves as a distinguishing feature in the wild. The species name ‘millefolium’ translates as ‘thousand-leaved’.

Flowers: Flat corymbs (false umbels) comprising many small individual flowers, which are usually white to pale pink in colour.

Flowering period: June to October. Habitat:
Prefers sunny, dry locations on well-drained, nutrient-rich loam and sandy soils. It grows wild in meadows, pastures, fields and along roadsides.

Use in medicine and cooking
In folk medicine, yarrow is traditionally valued in a similar way to camomile. It contains essential oils (e.g. chamazulene), bitter compounds, tannins and flavonoids.

Medicinal effects: It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, appetite-stimulating and haemostatic properties.
It is primarily used as a tea or tincture for gastrointestinal complaints, abdominal cramps and menstrual discomfort.
When used externally in the form of compresses or sitz baths, it aids wound healing and helps with skin inflammations.