Yarrow

Yarrow may form large drifts of white flowers among the dry grasses of late summer. The erect stems are very tough and hairy. Numerous small flowers are borne in flattopped clusters, and are usually white but may be tinged with pink.


The yellow anthers soon turn brown, making the flowers look rather dirty. The dark green leaves are very finely divided and have a strong and pungent aroma. In the past, they were traditionally used to flavour liqueurs.

LEAVES : Alternate, feathery, divided into many fine segments; aromatic when crushed.

PLANT HEIGHT : 40–80cm.

FLOWERING TIME : July–October.

FRUIT : Achenes with no pappus.

FLOWER SIZE : 4–6mm wide.

SIMILAR SPECIES : Wild Carrot, which has umbels of numerous flowers; Sneezewort, which has narrow, toothed leaves.