Yarrow of sheep

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The yarrows (Achillea) are a plant genus in the family of the basket-blooders (Asteraceae). Some Achillea species are used as medicinal plants. In German-speaking countries, sheep’s yarrow usually refers to Achillea millefolium.

Description

Vegetative characteristics
The Achillea species are perennial herbaceous plants, rarely half-bushes that reach heights of 6 to 80 centimeters. Usually the whole plant smells aromatic. In spring, the rhizome shoots out a leaf rosette. Later, a stem grows on which the flowers form. The smooth to hairy stem is tough and internally distinctive.

The alternately arranged foliage leaves are stalked to seated. The leaf spreads are narrow and feathered.

Generative characteristics
The simple or composite seeming inflorescence consists of many small cup-shaped partial flowering positions. 10 to 30 wrappings stand in (one to) two to three (to four) rows. The flower baskets usually have a diameter of 2 to 3 (rarely 5) millimeters and contain (5 to) 15 to more than 75 tube flowers and rarely none, but usually three to five (to twelve or rarely more) tongue flowers. The color of the tongue flowers of most species is white to pale yellowish, also pink colorations occur.

The Achenes usually have two ribs.

Ingredients
Ingredients of the yarrow species are proazuls, essential oils, tannins, flavonoids, chamazules (in its precursor Matricin), camphors, Achillein and other bitter substances and various minerals (especially potassium).

Nomenclature and distribution
The genus Achillea was established by Carl von Linné. The botanical generic name Achillea is derived from the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have treated his wounds with the help of this plant. Synonyms for Achillea L. are: Leucocyclus, Ptarmica

The Achillea species are native to the subtropical to temperate zone of Eurasia, but some species are also native to North Africa and the Americas. Throughout Europe they are native to the Arctic Circle and also to the Alps.

In the genus Achillea there are 115 to 200 species (selection):
Achillea abrotanoides: It occurs in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and Greece.
Achillea absinthoides: It occurs in Greece.
Greek yarrow (Achillea aegyptiaca, Syn.: Achillea taygetea): The homeland is Greece.
Silver Yarrow (Achillea ageratifolia): It occurs in southeastern Europe on rocks at altitudes above 500 meters. The following subspecies exist:
Achillea ageratifolia subsp. ageratifolia: It occurs in Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Greece.
Achillea ageratifolia subsp. aizoon : It occurs in North Macedonia and in Greece.
Achillea ageratifolia subsp. serbica (Syn.: Achillea serbica (Syn.: Achillea serbica)): It comes to Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Monten