Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Family Asteraceae

Characteristics:
* Flowers white, pink, or yellow, in flat, tight, composite clusters.
* Flower 'heads' each with 5 rays, but not actual individual flowers.
* Leaves soft, fernlike, aromatic when crushed.
* Height: 1-3'.

Natural History:
* Flowers June - August.
* Habitat: Roadsides, meadows.
* Range: Throughout the United States.
* Introduced from Europe.

Connections!
* The genus name Achillea refers to the legendary Greek soldier Achilles, who supposedly carried yarrow and used it to heal his soldiers' wounds.

* Yarrow was brought to America by the early colonists, who made a medicinal tea by steeping the leaves in water. They also dried the flower, which dries extremely well.