Sambucus nigra caerulea
Sambucus nigra caerulea
Chumash: qayas Español: Sauco
Chumash: qayas Español: Sauco
est. 2005
Once Upon a Watershed
is a program of the CREW
Telling the Story of Our Watershed Through Exploration, Education, and Stewardship
COMMON YARROW
Achillea millefolium
Chumash: yepunaš Español: milenrama
Plant Description
Category: Herb
Origin: Grasslands Evergreen: yes
Height: 6 inches to 3 feet
Flower: White to pink flowers form tight 3-5 inch flatttened heads on 6 inch to 3 foot tall flower stalks
Boomtime: June to September
Exposure: full sun Irrigation: Low water needs
Other names: gordaldo, nosebleed plant, old man's pepper, devil's nettle, , soldier's woundwort, thousand-leaf, and
stanchweed.
The plant has a long history as a powerful 'healing herb' used topically for wounds, cuts and abrasions. The genus name Achillea is derived from mythical Greek character, Achilles, who reportedly carried it with his army to treat battle wounds. This medicinal action is also reflected in some of the common names mentioned, such as staunchweed and soldier's woundwort. Yarrow, Achillea millefolium and its North American varieties, was used in traditional Native American herbal medicine by tribes across the continent.
It can be chewed it for toothaches, and poured as an infusion into ears for earaches, was also used as an analgesic and head cold remedy. The leaves encourage clotting, so it can be used fresh for nosebleeds. Yarrow has also been used as a food, and was very popular as a vegetable in the 17th century. The younger leaves are said to be a pleasant leaf vegetable when cooked like spinach, or in a soup. Yarrow is sweet with a slight bitter taste. The leaves can also be dried and used as a herb in cooking. In our habitat we have “Island Pink Yarrow” and “Golden Yarrow”. May cause skin rashes.
