Magical Properties of Yarrow?

I have King Edward Yarrow, which is a creeper versus wild yarrow which grows on a stalk. I’m sure it’s a suitable substitute for wild yarrow, but my overthinking mind is in overdrive.

8 Likes

The Yarrow I have growing, that has spread along the back border under the Vitex tree, is Achillea millefolium.

King Edward Yarrow is Achillea tomentosa, so they are the same genus but other than that, any search I do for the properties of Yarrow only mentions the millefolium.

It does seem to be a pretty plant though, I’m sure it will be a good substitute.

7 Likes

My inner child wants to dig up a wild yarrow plant on the side of a red dirt road.

7 Likes

Go for it! The inner child knows good things.

Until you find some wild, use the King Ed. Ask it what it’s specialties are, when you are in a meditative mood. It may help you connect with your plant, too.

7 Likes

I did some searching and couldn’t find any information about folklore or magical uses of A. tomentosa (your wooly yarrow). It’s native to southern Europe and Asia, so it’s possible places in those areas have folklore or oral traditions about the plant that haven’t been shared widely.

I’m in agreeance with @georgia – spend some time with your yarrow and see what it has to tell you!

7 Likes

I would be careful ingesting any of this plant Achillea tomentosa as it is a different species from Achillea millefolium. I would not assume that all of the plants in the family are safe to drink, eat or use topically. I can’t find anything from a reliable source online about Achillea tomentosa being safe to consume or use medically.

However, if you are using it as a replacement for Achillea millefolium in spells, I think it would work perfectly fine!

Just as a word of caution: Yarrow - Achillea millefolium is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses

All that aside, it looks like your new purchase is a wonderful garden plant with pretty flowers! :green_heart: Oh and the flowers of that genus are wonderful at attracting bees and butterflies!

7 Likes

I looked up plants that are toxic to cats. There seem to be so many common plants which are. I was surprised by many of them. :slightly_frowning_face:

7 Likes

It is tricky to know what is or isn’t toxic, as it can vary based on the species. We can eat chocolate (theobromine), but it’s toxic to dogs. We can take Tylenol (Acetaminophen), but even small amounts are highly toxic to cats.

You’ll have to excuse the zoologist nerd in me but I find it fascinating how evolution has led different species to develop distinct metabolic pathways and chemical tolerances. These adaptations often reflect their ecological niches and diets, yet they also result in striking biochemical limitations. It’s a striking reminder that what’s “safe” isn’t universal. Biochemistry is beautifully specific—and sometimes dangerously so. :woman_student:

Sorry :laughing: I went off on a tangent, musing about nature and her complexity!

8 Likes