Homework #6: Common Yarrow
Common yarrow is variable in forms and is regarded at times as consisting of multiple distinct species rather than a single distinct species. It is a perennial native plant to California, but several hybrids are growing abundantly in the state now as well. Though today it is used largely as a decorative species, it does have medicinal uses: it has been used as a tea to treat stomach disorders, as a soothing plant for rashes, and to stop hemorrhaging, nose-bleeds, and fevers. It has also been chewed to cure toothache, but it can increase sensitivity to the sun when applied to the skin and occasionally cause skin rashes as well. Its flowers and leaves can also be used to make liquor, and its leaves can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. It grows in dry soil with partial shade, and though it tends to use moderate amounts of water, it is also very drought tolerant. This makes it useful in helping prevent soil erosion in some areas. The plant has complex alternate leaves and clusters of small white flowers. The flowers grow in cluster of around 25 individual flowers making up larger bunches at the top of stems. The plant altogether reaches about three feet in height. It is propagated by seed. Some birds use narrow in nest-building as a liner, and studies suggest that doing so may inhibit parasitic growth in the nest. It is also valued as a pollen source to native California bees. Furthermore, since its leaves are rich in minerals, the plant can be fed to ruminants in order to help prevent nutrient deficiencies.
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