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Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District Yarrow (Milfoil) The non-native (Eurasia) Yarrow is common in our area. It prefers full or partial sun and slightly moist to dry clay-loam soil. Habitats include prairies, pastures, grassy waste areas and edges of paths. This perennial is 1-2' tall and unbranched with a central stem covered with white cobwebby hairs. The alternate stalkless leaves are up to 6" long and 1" across and either simple-pinnate or double-pinnate with overlapping leaflets either simple-pinnate or pinnatifid giving them a fern-like appearance. The upper stems produce flat-headed panicles (compound corymbs) of small flowers, each about ¼" across, consisting of 5 ray florets and 5 disk florets that have cream or pale yellow corolla. The petals are white (rarely light rose or lavender) and slightly notched at their tips.
Yarrow at Maramech Forest Preserve July 30, 2014
Yarrow at Rose Hill Subdivision June 11, 2013
Yarrow at Maramech Forest Preserve May 25, 2013
Yarrow foliage at Maramech Forest Preserve July 30, 2014
Yarrow (rare pastel-colored) at Baker Woods Forest Preserve June 5, 2013 In antiquity yarrow was known as Herbal Militaris or Woundwort as its leaves were used to encourage blood clotting to staunch bleeding from open wounds or cuts. Decoctions were used to treat inflammation, hemorrhoids, headache, colds, flu, stomach ache, digestion, digestive, and urinary systems. In the nineteenth century, Yarrow was said to have a greater number of medicinal indications than any other herb. The flowers were often steamed and inhaled to treat hay fever and asthma and in teas for respiratory problems; as a wash for eczema and other skin conditions; and in chest rubs for cold, flu, and inflamed joints. Reminder: see our Do Not Disturb Notice. Click here for more information. Copyright © 2011-2017 by Kendall County Forest Preserve District. All Rights Reserved. |
