Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Raw-safeMay–SepHerbs

Grassland, roadsides, sunny meadows

Find on Map

All Identification Points

Finely divided feathery leaves, multi-pinnate, fern-like in texture

Aromatic slightly medicinal scent when crushed

Flat-topped corymb of tiny white or pale pink flowers

Solid stem — critical distinction from hollow-stemmed lookalikes

Leaves alternate up stem

Harvest Notes

Pick leaves and flowers from June. Use sparingly as a herb — strong flavour.

Uses

Herbal tea, flavouring for beer and spirits, traditional wound herb, salad garnish.

Equipment Needed

Scissors, paper bag for drying.

Storage

Fresh use within 3 days. Dries excellently — hang in bunches.

Lookalikes

Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) — DEADLY. Purple-blotched hollow stem with unpleasant mousy smell. KEY TEST: yarrow has a solid stem and aromatic (pleasant) smell. Always check these two points together.

Relative Nutrition

Protein

Vitamin C

Iron

Where to Find It

Stockwood Open Space and Dundry Hill grassland. Excellent from June in open sunny spots.

Goblin CombeAvon GorgeDundry HillStockwood Open Space

Personal foraging permitted under the Theft Act 1968. Never uproot plants without landowner permission. Always use multiple identification methods before consuming any wild food.

← PreviousJack-by-the-Hedge Next →Rose Hip