Food Forest Plants
Food Forest Plants
Sorry, I am not allowed to ship to WA, TAS, NT, and I don’t ship internationally!
$10.95
5 in stock
I imported the seeds years ago from the US and have since then kept the plant in my garden. Despite claims that the flowers are bigger than those of the usual yarrow, I find them to be the same size. The plants may have crossed with the usual yarrow; however, I do propagate both varieties vegetatively. And the scent of this one is noticeably different. This yarrow is native to the coasts of Oregon and California.
Across the Pacific Northwest, yarrow was an important traditional medicinal plant for numerous Indigenous communities. Its uses included both external preparations and internal remedies.
Documented traditional uses include:
Wounds and skin problems: leaves were chewed, mashed, heated or made into poultices for cuts, burns, boils, sores and swollen areas.
Pain relief: chewed leaves were applied to toothaches, sprains and painful areas.
Digestive complaints: infusions and decoctions were used for stomach problems, gastroenteritis and diarrhoea.
Respiratory complaints: plant juice and decoctions were used traditionally for coughs, sore throats and colds.
Headaches and fever: preparations made from different plant parts were used for these complaints.
Rheumatism: leaves were used in poultices and steam baths.
These uses are recorded among different Pacific Northwest peoples, including the Bella Coola, Chehalis, Hesquiat and Squaxin.
In anthroposophic medicine, yarrow is highly valued for its life-force and warmth. It is sometimes used in tinctures, teas, and ointments to support circulation and strengthen the body’s defensive systems.
Yarrow has a special place in biodynamic gardening, where its flowers are used to make Biodynamic Preparation 502 (BD 502), one of the six traditional compost preparations. The flowers are packed into a stag’s bladder, hung outdoors over summer and buried in the soil over winter. Once matured, the preparation is added in tiny quantities to compost heaps. In biodynamic practice, it is believed to help regulate compost decomposition and improve nutrient cycling, particularly involving sulphur and potassium.
1. Incense and aromatic smoke
Yarrow has a long history of ritual and ceremonial use. Some Indigenous North American traditions burned yarrow as ceremonial smoke, and dried plant material has been used in smudge preparations.
2. Natural insect repellent
Yarrow has traditionally been used to deter insects. Its flowering aerial parts have been reported as insect-repellent, and extracts have demonstrated mosquito-repellent activity. Some North American traditions also used yarrow smoke to deter mosquitoes. However, simply growing yarrow nearby will not keep mosquitoes away.
4. Natural dye
Yarrow has also been used as a natural dye plant, particularly for wool. Depending on the plant material, mordant and dyeing process, it can produce yellowish, golden, olive or greenish shades.
5. Traditional hair rinse
In some Himalayan folk traditions, yarrow decoctions have been used as a hair rinse or tonic believed to prevent hair loss.
Yarrow is an excellent companion plant. It attracts beneficial insects, improves soil fertility, and can be used to create dynamic borders or low hedges. Its dried flowers also make long-lasting arrangements. The herb’s presence in compost is thought to stimulate decomposition and add nutrients to the soil.
Coastal Yarrow is traditionally classified as Achillea millefolium var. litoralis, a coastal form of the common yarrow. Its taxonomic status is not universally accepted, and some botanical authorities treat this name as a synonym of Achillea borealis var. borealis, while others include it within A. millefolium. Our plants were originally grown from seed imported from Richo Cech.
Disclaimer:
We love plants as much as you do! All plants sold by Food Forest Plants are intended for ornamental, educational, or gardening purposes. Some may have traditional culinary or medicinal uses, but we cannot give medical advice—please consult a qualified professional before consuming or using any plant. We take great care in labelling, but mistakes can happen. Food Forest Plants is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other effects from using, handling, or consuming plants. Use at your own risk.
I imported the seeds years ago from the US and have since then kept the plant in my garden. Despite claims that the flowers are bigger than those of the usual yarrow, I find them to be the same size. The plants may have crossed with the usual yarrow; however, I do propagate both varieties vegetatively. And the scent of this one is noticeably different. This yarrow is native to the coasts of Oregon and California.
Across the Pacific Northwest, yarrow was an important traditional medicinal plant for numerous Indigenous communities. Its uses included both external preparations and internal remedies.
Documented traditional uses include:
Wounds and skin problems: leaves were chewed, mashed, heated or made into poultices for cuts, burns, boils, sores and swollen areas.
Pain relief: chewed leaves were applied to toothaches, sprains and painful areas.
Digestive complaints: infusions and decoctions were used for stomach problems, gastroenteritis and diarrhoea.
Respiratory complaints: plant juice and decoctions were used traditionally for coughs, sore throats and colds.
Headaches and fever: preparations made from different plant parts were used for these complaints.
Rheumatism: leaves were used in poultices and steam baths.
These uses are recorded among different Pacific Northwest peoples, including the Bella Coola, Chehalis, Hesquiat and Squaxin.
In anthroposophic medicine, yarrow is highly valued for its life-force and warmth. It is sometimes used in tinctures, teas, and ointments to support circulation and strengthen the body’s defensive systems.
Yarrow has a special place in biodynamic gardening, where its flowers are used to make Biodynamic Preparation 502 (BD 502), one of the six traditional compost preparations. The flowers are packed into a stag’s bladder, hung outdoors over summer and buried in the soil over winter. Once matured, the preparation is added in tiny quantities to compost heaps. In biodynamic practice, it is believed to help regulate compost decomposition and improve nutrient cycling, particularly involving sulphur and potassium.
1. Incense and aromatic smoke
Yarrow has a long history of ritual and ceremonial use. Some Indigenous North American traditions burned yarrow as ceremonial smoke, and dried plant material has been used in smudge preparations.
2. Natural insect repellent
Yarrow has traditionally been used to deter insects. Its flowering aerial parts have been reported as insect-repellent, and extracts have demonstrated mosquito-repellent activity. Some North American traditions also used yarrow smoke to deter mosquitoes. However, simply growing yarrow nearby will not keep mosquitoes away.
4. Natural dye
Yarrow has also been used as a natural dye plant, particularly for wool. Depending on the plant material, mordant and dyeing process, it can produce yellowish, golden, olive or greenish shades.
5. Traditional hair rinse
In some Himalayan folk traditions, yarrow decoctions have been used as a hair rinse or tonic believed to prevent hair loss.
Yarrow is an excellent companion plant. It attracts beneficial insects, improves soil fertility, and can be used to create dynamic borders or low hedges. Its dried flowers also make long-lasting arrangements. The herb’s presence in compost is thought to stimulate decomposition and add nutrients to the soil.
Coastal Yarrow is traditionally classified as Achillea millefolium var. litoralis, a coastal form of the common yarrow. Its taxonomic status is not universally accepted, and some botanical authorities treat this name as a synonym of Achillea borealis var. borealis, while others include it within A. millefolium. Our plants were originally grown from seed imported from Richo Cech.
Disclaimer:
We love plants as much as you do! All plants sold by Food Forest Plants are intended for ornamental, educational, or gardening purposes. Some may have traditional culinary or medicinal uses, but we cannot give medical advice—please consult a qualified professional before consuming or using any plant. We take great care in labelling, but mistakes can happen. Food Forest Plants is not responsible for any illness, injury, or other effects from using, handling, or consuming plants. Use at your own risk.