Why was yarrow named for Achilles?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

August 2, 2002

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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium Linnaeus) was used from the time of the ancient Greeks to treat wounds especially those received in battle. The modern common name comes from the Middle English name, yarowe. This name derived from the Old English gearwe and the Old High German garwa. The closely related Anglo-Saxon name was gearuwe meaning
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Rainbow Yarrow Mix – A favourite for ages, this intriguing perennial was valued by the ancient Greeks for its healing properties.

You will love its beautiful, long-lasting blooms, aromatic foliage and carefree nature! Large, flat flower heads in a mix of vibrant colours last up to 3 months in the garden, and are ideal for cutting and drying. Drought-tolerant plants attract beneficial insects and butterflies, yet repel insect pests and animals! Achillea millefolium #1 plants. Click here - Free $25 off any order of $50 or more at Brecks Bulbs [More Perennials...]

healer.

Linnaeus tended to retain names in general use, especially those names from Greek and Roman mythology. The generic name, Achillea, was in wide use by herbalists well before Linnaeus. Yarrow was believed the same as the legendary herb used by Achilles' soldiers during the Trojan War.

At one point, the war was going badly for the Greeks. Eurypylus, carrying a message to Achilles, was shot by an arrow. Patroclus found him and Eurypylus begged:

"There is no more hope for the Greeks. They will fall among the ships....But save me. Take me to the ship, cut this arrow out of my leg, wash the blood from it...and put the right things on it—the plants they say you have learned about from Achilles who learned about them from Cheiron, the best of the Centaurs....

"...Patroclus took a knife and cut the sharp arrowhead from his leg and washed the black blood away....Then he crushed a bitter root...and put it on the wound. The root took away all the pain. The blood stopped and the wound dried." (Homer, The Iliad, xi, 800 BCE, trans. I.A. Richards).

The Trojan War, an Illustrated Companion is a beautiful website depicting the war as seen in art. To view one section of this site, 'The Life of Achilles', click on the link:

http://www.philipresheph.com/demodokos/achilles/life.htm

Click on the links next to the silhouettes of the urns.

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Paprika Achillea

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No wonder this spectacular flower is so popular for arrangements! Big, flat flower heads of peppery red with bright gold centres explode with colour. Plant in a sunny spot for a fireworks display that lasts through summer. Hardy and easy to grow! Zones 3-9. Achillea millefolium #1 plants. Click here - Free $25 off any order of $50 or more at Brecks Bulbs

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Achillea, 'The Pearl'

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Achillea ptarmatica 'The Pearl' – Grows vigorously in poor, dry soil locations where other plants fail. This hardy plant produces neat 24-36" mounds of white blooms from late spring through summer.

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Perennial Garden Collection I

Breck's Bulbs®

With Breck's Complete Perennial Garden, you can transform a boring yard into a beautiful garden filled with bright colours, interesting textures and delightful fragrances, starting this season!

Designed by Breck's team of plant experts, this special collection includes the perfect mix of bloom colours, plant shapes and flowering times to create a constant yet ever-changing display from early summer to autumn. Over the coming years, your garden will increase in beauty, providing endless blooms for your landscape and bouquets.

12 Fire King Crocosmia - Gracefully arching stems bloom with a multitude of tubular 1/2" orange florets that mature to flaming red. Splendid and long-lasting in cut-flower arrangements.
3 Blue Globe Agapanthus - Impressive, 5" blooms command attention on any deck or patio. Ball-shaped flower heads -- each composed of countless, tiny blue florets -- are held high above long, slender foliage.
2 Flamingo Phlox - A study in elegance. Each flower begins with a startling crimson centre, fading to the loveliest of pinks.
1 Parker's Achillea - Bright golden flower heads top 3-4' stems all summer. Best in full sun.
2 Elsie Heugh Hollyhock - This miniature Hollyhock is graced with tall spikes of soft pink flowers that bloom for a month or more.
2 Monkshood - Deep blue flowers with a touch of mauve appear on branched stems in midsummer. Grows 3' tall.
2 Obedient Plant - Spikes of pale lavender-pink flowers top 2-4' stalks in late summer to fall. Long-lasting cut flowers.
2 Tenor Phlox - For garden harmony, blend dashing red Tenor into your display or cutting beds and colourful eye-catching bouquets.

26 plants in all! Click here - Free $25 off any order of $50 or more at Brecks Bulbs

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Complete Perennial Garden

Breck's Bulbs®

We ship 6+ cm bulbs of Crocosmia and 10-12 cm bulbs of Liatris; all others are #1 size plants. Lift Crocosmia and Agapanthus in fall!

This collection includes:

12 Fire King Crocosmia - Gracefully arching stems bloom with a multitude of tubular 1/2" orange florets that mature to flaming red. Splendid and long-lasting in cut-flower arrangements.
10 Liatris - A mix of lilac and white. Blooms cover 12-15" stems from mid to late summer. Attracts butterflies.
3 Blue Globe Agapanthus - Impressive, 5" blooms command attention on any deck or patio. Ball-shaped flower heads -- each composed of countless, tiny blue florets -- are held high above long, slender foliage.
2 Flamingo Phlox - A study in elegance. Each flower begins with a startling crimson centre, fading to the loveliest of pinks.
1 Parker's Achillea - Bright golden flower heads top 3-4' stems all summer. Best in full sun.
2 Elsie Heugh Hollyhock - This miniature Hollyhock is graced with tall spikes of soft pink flowers that bloom for a month or more.
2 Monkshood - Deep blue flowers with a touch of mauve appear on branched stems in midsummer. Grows 3' tall.
2 Windsor Phlox - Fragrant pink blooms with cherry red centres from mid to late summer. Strong 24-40" stems.
2 Bright Eyes Phlox - Bright pink blooms on 24-36" stems; blooms mid to late summer.
2 Obedient Plant - Spikes of pale lavender-pink flowers top 2-4' stalks in late summer to fall. Long-lasting cut flowers.
1 Goldsturm Rudbeckia - Golden daisylike blooms wiht dark eyes cover 18-24" plants in late summer. Best in full sun.
1 Vetch's Blue Echinops - Globe-shaped flower clusters on tall stems look like living lollipops! Fragrant, dark blue blooms add interest to fresh dried arrangements.
2 Etna Astilbe - Throughout the early to middle weeks of the summer season, the 24" stems are topped by 8-12" plumes smothered with tiny flowers, beautifully set off by attractive glossy foliage.
2 Tenor Phlox - For garden harmony, blend dashing red Tenor into your display or cutting beds and colourful eye-catching bouquets.
3 Royal Standard Hosta - Large, shiny leaves up to 12" across. Fragrant white blooms in mid to late summer.

47 plants in all! Click here - Free $25 off any order of $50 or more at Brecks Bulbs

Click here for more Spring Blooming Collections - Free $25 off any order of $50 or more at Brecks Bulbs