SafePlants

Achillea odorata

Also known as Sweet Yarrow or Fragrant Yarrow, Achillea odorata is a flowering plant belonging to the sunflower family.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is aromatic.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is aromatic.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Achillea odorata L.
• Family: Asteraceae (also referred to as Compositae)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms:
  • Achillea nobilis L. (in some classifications)
  • Achillea microphylla Willd. (heterotypic synonym)
  • Achillea odorata subsp. pectinata, synonym nom. inval.
  • Achillea punctata, sensu Anonymous Association Tela
  • Achillea hispanica Schrank
  • Achillea ligustica Vis. ex Nyman
  • Achillea ochroleuca Waldst. &amp Kit.
  • Achillea odorata Pall.

Distribution and Habitat

• Achillea odorata is native to the SW Mediterranean, including Morocco and Northwestern Algeria.
• It thrives in dry pastures and stony ground.
• It is found in the Pyrénées and Corsica.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It's a perennial herb, up to 40 cm tall.
• The leaves are finely cut and pubescent (downy).
• It has white capitules (flower heads) in corymbs.
• The plant can be very dense groundcover.
• The stems are 8-12 cm, simple, erect, or slightly ascending.

Quirky Facts

• One source indicates the plant flowers only in June and July.
• Some sources refer to the plant having an essential oil with antimicrobial properties.

Uses and Properties

• It is known as "hierba de las heridas" or "yerba de las heridas," suggesting a traditional use for wound care.
• Methanol extract of Achillea odorata has been studied for its phenolic content and antioxidant activity.
• It is an aromatic plant.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers help and information.
• EUNIS (The European Nature Information System) includes information.
• GRIN Taxonomy includes information.
• B and T World Seeds' database contains information.
• Encyclopedia of Life contains information.