Achillea

Achillea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The name honors the Greek hero Achilles, who, in traditional lore, used yarrow to treat wounds.

Achillea species are herbaceous perennials with finely divided, aromatic leaves and upright or clump-forming stems. The inflorescences are flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of small disk and ray-like flowers. In wild forms, flowers are typically white, but cultivated forms can display yellow, pink, or red hues. Flowering occurs from late spring to late summer, depending on species and climate, and the flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.

The genus includes about 60–100 species, mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America. Notable species are Achillea millefolium (common yarrow), Achillea filipendulina (fern-leaved yarrow), and Achillea ptarmica (sneezewort or white yarrow). They are valued for their hardiness and long-lasting blooms.

Achillea prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating drought once established. They are hardy in temperate regions and suitable for borders, meadows, and rock gardens. They can spread by seed or division and may naturalize in suitable habitats; some cultivars can be more aggressive.

Yarrow is widely grown as an ornamental plant and cut flower. In traditional medicine, preparations from leaves and flowering tops have been used historically for wound healing and as an astringent, though modern use should be approached with caution due to potential allergies and interactions.