YARROW.
Achillea millefolium L.

Other common names.—Milfoil, thousand leaf, thousand-leaved clover, green arrow, gordoloba, nosebleed, bloodwort, carpenter’s grass, sanguinary, soldiers’ woundwort, old man’s pepper. (Fig. 24.)

Range and habitat.—This herb is a common weed from the New England States to Missouri and in scattered localities in other parts of the country, occurring along roadsides, in old fields, pastures, and meadows.

Description.—Yarrow is a perennial belonging to the aster family (Asteraceæ). It is about 10 to 20 inches in height, its numerous dark-green feathery leaves divided into very fine crowded parts. The flowers are produced in abundance from June to September. These are small, white (sometimes rose-colored), and are crowded in dense flat-topped heads.

The odor of yarrow is strong and aromatic, very similar to that of chamomile, and the taste is sharp and bitter. When this plant is eaten by cows its bitter taste and strong odor are imparted to dairy products.

Parts used.—The entire plant is collected when in flower, and is carefully dried. The coarser stems should be rejected. The plant loses nearly four-fifths of its weight in drying.

Yarrow is a stimulant tonic, acts upon the bladder, and checks excessive discharges.

Imports and prices.—This is an imported article, though not brought into the United States in large quantities. The price of achillea or yarrow ranges from 2 to 5 cents per pound.