Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Netherlands

Common name: Duizendblad, Common yarrow, Yarrow

Family: Asteraceae subfam. Asteroideae (Aster family)

Distribution: Europe to West Asia

Hardiness: Zone 02

Life form: Perennial

Comments: Medieval Plants Tour - The medieval Dutch word for this plant was ‘nesebloede’, ‘nose bleed’, which is what it was used for. The modern Dutch word ‘Duizenblad’ meaning ‘a thousand leaves’ is a translation of the Latin name Millefolium. This herb was thought to be able to keep the devil away, and if you covered your eyes with the leaves for a while, it would help you to see visions of the future and tell fortunes. Medieval manuscripts stated: “Yarrow has hairy leaves like fennel, but finer. It is an aromatic herb and has little white crown-like flowers, that are as rough as heads of nails. It is a warm, dry herb, and when crushed and mixed with food it will improve digestion. It helps to staunch bleeding from both grazes and stab wounds, and also helps alleviate toothache. Additionally, it helps expel flatulence, reduces swelling and will stimulate the appetite when it is added to cured fish.”