Lore: The aroma of smoldering Yarrow or a decoction poured on hot stones was used by Native American Shaman to ward off evil spirits and revive those in comas. It is one of the plants used to protect one who was to walk on hot coals or otherwise be exposed to great heat. It seems it was used both internally and externally for such a purpose. Some tribes smoked the dried flower heads for ceremonial events.^{(Erichsen-Brown)} A pleasant beverage can be made from the leaves.

Medical Uses: The medical use of this plant ranges far back in time and far around the planet as it's range covers much of the Northern Hemisphere. It's use continues to this day among herbal healers. It has been used as a poultice on inflammations and a tea was used to bath inflammations and was drunk to treat various conditions from colds and fevers to gastric distress and internal bleeding. Yarrows value as an anti-inflammatory is backed up by research. Warning: There are many biologically active chemicals in yarrow and some may not be healthy in large doses or taken for extended periods.^{(Erichsen-Brown) (Foster & Duke) (Dobelis)}

© Daniel Reed   E-mail      Image use policy Ads on this page help pay for this site but if you see one that seems inappropriate here such as one that is counter to the pro environmental theme please let me know which Ad and I will block it. Report a Bad Ad

One of the best general guides to wildflowers of the North Eastern and North Central United States. Newcomb's key is an excellent, simple method for identifying plants. Newcomb has drawings for almost every plant mentioned that are excellent aids to identifying the species. Though only the more common plants are covered this is often the first book I pick up when trying to identify a wildflower.

Wildflo wers of Tennessee the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians

This is perhaps the best of many field guides covering this region. Featuring 446 excellent color photographs (located with the text) and mentioning as similar to those illustrated are another 800 or so species for a total coverage of over 1,200 species. The start of each family section includes line drawings of some of the species showing important features. The text includes the usual description, bloom season, range, habitat and additionally includes information such as medical uses and lore and how the species was named. This is the official field guide of the Tennessee Native Plant Society.